Question

You are on a committee that is planning whether or not to build a tidal power plant near a diverse and healthy coastal habitat. Describe at least two of the benefits and two of the costs to the environment you should consider before deciding to build the dam.

Answer 1

Pros

Renewable.
Requires no fuel.
Emission-free
Reliable, a plant can last 100 years
High efficiency
Predictable output
Could potentially provide a storm surge barrier.
Environmental impacts are local, not global

Cons

Expensive to build
Very location specific (only 20 sites identified with high potential)
Non-continuous, storage or grid-backup required
Locations are often remote
Barrages may restrict access to open water
Can change tidal level of surrounding area
Impact on fish, marine mammals and birds
Disrupts regular tidal cycles
Decreases salinity in tidal basins
Mud flats (where many birds feed) adversely impacted
Captures dirt, waste and pollution near the coast
Reduces kinetic energy in the ocean