[FAVERO11]

Tides are the result of the gravitational effect of the moon on the earth. Tides can be a good source of renewable energy for mankind. This energy can be converted into electricity using turbines. The rise and fall of the tides can be used to spin the turbines and create electricity. This may seem easy but presents some inherent problems. The tides are slow in movement. Moreover, it needs a great amount of water to pass inside the pipes, to create energy.

Even with these problems, tidal energy is gaining in importance. Tidal energy is preferred for its reliability and predictability. The tides are based on predictable lunar orbits, which are known many years in advance. The new approach of using dams to capture the power of the tides is gaining in importance. The dams allow water to come in when there is a high tide, preventing it from moving out when the tide goes out. The water is then pushed into a pipe which is fitted with a turbine. The force of the water coming in rotates the turbines and generates electricity.

Because of the various advantages presented by the tides, many countries are finding newer ways of creating energy from tides. Countries like Japan are researching and developing various Tidal Energy Project, to tap the power of the tides.