TW: Energy

There are three ways that tidal energy can be harnessed. “Wave Energy” comes from the actual movement of the waves of the ocean. Most wave-energy systems are very small, and usually only generate enough power to supply a small light house or warning bouy. Tidal energy comes from the rise and fall of the tides. This is when a dam system is set into place along the coastal line and requires at least 16-feet between the high and low tides. The third way is Ocean Thermal Energy, which uses the temperature differences between ocean currents. A difference of at least 38-degrees between the warmer surface of the ocean and the cooler depths is needed. Currently, Japan and Hawaii have been experimenting with this third type of oceanic energy. (Mary Bellis “How Tidal Power Plants Work” (about.com))