Which statement is true about tidal power?

Which statement is true about tidal power?

• A. It is highly predictable
• B. It is very cheap to install
• C. It works best in areas with small tidal ranges
• D. It is not affected by location

Answer: (A)

Tidal power is highly predictable because it relies on the regular, cyclic rise and fall of sea level driven by the Moon and Sun. This means the timing and pattern of tides are steady, so the output can be forecast with confidence, even though the total amount of energy available depends on the strength of the tides at a given location and the specific technology used. Other statements don’t fit as well. Installing tidal power infrastructure is typically expensive due to the marine environment and the scale of the needed equipment. Tidal energy works best where tidal ranges are large, producing more energy than areas with small ranges. Finally, the amount of tidal energy you can harvest depends on location—the coastline, depth, and tidal characteristics vary, so it isn’t the same everywhere.

Tidal power is highly predictable because it relies on the regular, cyclic rise and fall of sea level driven by the Moon and Sun. This means the timing and pattern of tides are steady, so the output can be forecast with confidence, even though the total amount of energy available depends on the strength of the tides at a given location and the specific technology used.

Other statements don’t fit as well. Installing tidal power infrastructure is typically expensive due to the marine environment and the scale of the needed equipment. Tidal energy works best where tidal ranges are large, producing more energy than areas with small ranges. Finally, the amount of tidal energy you can harvest depends on location—the coastline, depth, and tidal characteristics vary, so it isn’t the same everywhere.