Recently, an ambitious project aimed at harnessing more diverse and efficient sources of electricity has been launched. This project seeks to harness both solar and lunar energy for significant energy benefits. The idea is to use both sunlight during the day and lunar light at night to maximize energy production in an innovative and sustainable approach.
The most effective and sustainable way to create electricity
Recently, an ambitious project aimed at harnessing more diverse and efficient energy sources has been launched. This project seeks to harness both solar and lunar energy for significant energy benefits. The idea is to use both sunlight during the day and lunar light at night to maximize energy production in an innovative and sustainable approach.
This represents a step forward in the search for more versatile and environmentally friendly energy solutions. Specialists are working hard to develop technologies and systems to make the most of this unique combination of natural energy resources such as the sun and the moon.
Indeed, we are referring to tidal energy, a type of renewable energy that harnesses the ocean currents generated by the gravitational influence of the Sun and the Moon on the Earth. This form of energy is based on the movement of the tides, which are the result of the gravitational forces of attraction exerted by the Sun and the Moon on the Earth’s oceans.
How is tidal energy produced?
When the Earth, Moon and Sun are aligned, a high tide is produced, while when they are at right angles, a low tide is produced. This constant tidal cycle provides a predictable and renewable source of energy that can be harnessed through various technologies, such as tidal turbines, to generate electricity in a sustainable manner.
Tidal energy is also characterized as a renewable and inexhaustible source that takes advantage of the ocean’s natural resources. The generation of electricity is achieved through variations in tides, the unevenness of the water and the horizontal movement of ocean currents, which guarantees a constant and predictable production.
Despite the above, its viability is limited to coastal areas with specific topographic and maritime conditions, such as inlets or estuaries. Large differences in height between tides are necessary to obtain optimum performance in the production of electrical energy.
Although the initial construction of tidal power plants may require a significant investment, in the long term they represent an economically viable option due to low maintenance costs. These facilities do not rely on fossil fuels, which reduces the costs associated with fuel procurement and transportation.
Don’t confuse tidal and wave energy: these are the differences
Wave and tidal power are two forms of renewable energy that harness marine resources, but differ in their generation methods and ideal geographic location. Wave energy is generated from ocean waves, using floating or submerged devices that convert wave motion into electrical energy.
Tidal power, on the other hand, relies on the tides and currents of the sea to produce electricity. Tidal power plants harness the ebb and flow of the tides to turn turbines and generate power, or use ocean currents to do the same.
The key now (and the challenge) is to boost tidal energy in the United States both on the East and West coasts. According to White House projections, it could account for nearly 10% of our energy capacity by 2030.
However, their location is limited to coastal areas with specific characteristics. In summary, while wave power focuses on wave motion to generate electricity and can be harnessed in a variety of coastal locations, tidal power relies on the flow of tides and ocean currents, requiring specific topographical conditions and, therefore, its location is more restricted.