Tidal Energy

Tidal Energy The vast potential of energy of the seas and oceans, which cover about three-fourth of our planet, can make a significant contribution to tide over the energy crisis. Ocean contains renewable energy in the form of temperature gradients, waves, tides and ocean currents, which can be used to generate electricity in an environ­ment-friendly manner. Tidal power, wave power and ocean thermal energy conversion are the three most well devel­oped technologies. The realisation of power from ocean at present is limited because of large technological gaps and limited resources. With the present technology only tides can be harnessed on commercial basis.

Tidal power has already been successfully developed on the Rance Estuary in Brittany, France. Other coastal countries have also taken steps to harness this alternative source for producing electricity. However, there are only few sites in the whole world where it could be developed. Further, initial development costs of generating tidal en­ergy are enormous.

Progress in India In India, the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat and the delta of the Ganga in Sunderbans area of West Bengal have so far been known as potential sites for generating tidal power. However, a systematic study to assess the tidal power potential in the country through the Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune is being planned. Research, development, surveys and demonstration projects on the development of ocean energy are being taken up through various research, scientific and educational institutions, national laboratories, universities, industries and user organisations.

A detailed project report for setting up of a tidal power plant of 3 MW capacity at Durgaduani Creek in Sunderbans area of West Bengal, prepared through the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA), Kolkata, has been examined and it is found that current technology levels cannot produce electricity at economically acceptable rates.