There are various advantages that come with a wave and tidal power. For instance, it is renewable energy. This basically means that it will never run out or get depleted but can be harnessed continuously. Waves will always be there as long as oceans exist, and given the fact that water covers 75% of the earth, this is a plus. Furthermore, this type of energy is very environmentally friendly. Unlike fossil fuels, power generated from waves has no toxic byproducts in terms of pollution, gases, or even waste (Lynn, 2013, p. 34). Another advantage is the vast number of ways that can be used to harness it. This makes it flexible hence the most suitable means depending on the existent factors can be used. It is also easily predictable thus the amount of power generated by it can be pre-determined. The disadvantage of it is that it is only limited to certain locations where water bodies exist (Lynn, 2013, p. 41). It also affects the marine ecosystem and performs poorly in bad weather. With tidal energy system types such as barrage which is the oldest type and tidal turbine, the system is made up of components such as power cables and onshore facilities (Charlier & Finkl, 2010, p. 11). The difference in the power types comes with the method of harnessing. Since a lot of technology goes into this type of power, it can be used by more powerful and resistant turbines. It also has to be more cost-efficient since the equipment and expertise that is required are very expensive, to justify the high-cost demands (Charlier & Finkl, 2010, p. 52). The technology definitely needs to be better to improve the efficiency of the machines relative to the input and output.
References
Charlier, R. H., & Finkl, C. W. (2010). Ocean Energy: Tide and Tidal Power. Springer.
Lynn, P. A. (2013). Electricity from Wave and Tide: An Introduction to Marine Energy. Wiley.
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