I understand how it works. We could be completely off of fossil fuels by 2050 if we started projects like this. But, as long as big oil knows it has a place in the world, then it will continue to line to pockets of people in power to stay in the game.
My city is currently planning and building the world's first tidal lagoon power plant, so that's pretty cool, assuming it goes without any more hitches. If there's any doubt over the coolness, there's a dragon design built onto it too.
Because like wind turbines, the energy obtained (output) over the operating life cycle of the devices is WAY less than the energy used in building, installing, operating, maintaining, and removing/replacing (input). And, like wind turbines, they will NEVER provide the required "baseload power" needed to run a 21st century developed civilisation, no matter how many are installed. Or, as metalman said ( a lot more briefly) an hour ago: "cost>benefit". But I thought I'd add my 2 cents' worth. And also this: it doesn't matter how many fairies are at the bottom of a greenie's garden, it still won't work; coz PHYSICS, bitchez!
There have been several variations of wave powered generators experimented with over the last 40 or so years. All have fallen short of their goals because they are too costly to build, and even more costly to maintain and cannot produce enough power to be viable. Just like wind and solar it is a pipe dream.
Yes technology has improved, but the cost to benefit ratio is still very poor. Not to mention solar power still relies on batteries for storage, and batteries are nasty little creatures that cause as much pollution as fossil fuels; battery technology has a long way to go as well.
I think all of these alternative energy sources have a future, but their viability is still very much in the future.
putting a turbine at the bottom of the ocean doesn't mean it's gonna turn. where they actually have them is closer to land where the tide can move the turbines
I think all of these alternative energy sources have a future, but their viability is still very much in the future.