How does tidal power compare with other energy sources?
From an ecological and carbon emissions viewpoint, tidal power looks healthy. Although a study commissioned by Crest concerning the lifetime carbon footprint including construction of tidal energy as compared other sustainable energy sources in the NZ environment is not yet complete, early indications are that the footprint sequence is possibly hydro, tidal, wind and finally geothermal. Clearly all four of the sustainable energy sources in the study have much lower carbon footprints that conventional fossil fuel generation plants. Tidal seems to just come ahead of wind because the electricity output is more consistent, and because wind turbines need to be very robust to withstand violent gusts and sudden changes in wind direction.
