Physics – 1.7.3 Energy resources | e-Consult
1.7.3 Energy resources (1 questions)
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Here's a comparison of hydroelectric and tidal power:
| Feature | Hydroelectric Power | Tidal Power |
| Renewability | Advantage - Water cycle ensures continuous supply. Disadvantage - Dams can alter river ecosystems. | Advantage - Tides are predictable and renewable. Disadvantage - Limited number of suitable sites. |
| Availability | Disadvantage - Dependent on rainfall and river flow. Advantage - Can be stored in reservoirs. | Advantage - Tides are predictable (high and low). Disadvantage - Limited to coastal locations with significant tidal ranges. |
| Reliability | Advantage - Relatively reliable with reservoir storage. Disadvantage - Can be affected by droughts. | Disadvantage - Intermittent, dependent on tidal cycles. Advantage - Predictable cycles allow for some level of planning. |
| Scale | Advantage - Can be large-scale (large dams). Disadvantage - Significant land area required for reservoirs. | Disadvantage - Typically smaller scale than hydroelectric. Advantage - Can be integrated into existing coastal structures. |
| Environmental Impact | Disadvantage - Dams can disrupt river ecosystems, affecting fish migration and water quality. Advantage - Provides flood control and water storage. | Disadvantage - Can impact marine ecosystems and coastal habitats. Advantage - Minimal greenhouse gas emissions. |