How does tidal energy harvesting work and where is it being deployed?

The answer

Tidal energy harnesses the predictable kinetic and potential energy of ocean tides, with a global theoretical potential of approximately 3 terawatts. Unlike wind and solar, tidal power is almost perfectly predictable decades in advance. The world's largest tidal barrage, the Sihwa Lake facility in South Korea (completed in 2011), generates 254 megawatts. The MeyGen project in Scotland's Pentland Firth, operational since 2018, uses underwater turbines and has expanded to 86 megawatts capacity. France's La Rance barrage has operated continuously since 1966, producing 240 megawatts. Modern approaches include tidal stream generators (underwater windmills), dynamic tidal power barriers, and oscillating water column devices. The European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney serves as the world's primary testing ground for new tidal technologies.