PowerSustainable

Tidal

Tidal power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the kinetic energy of ocean tides to generate electricity. It takes advantage of the natural rise and fall of ocean tides caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth’s water bodies.

Illustrated tidal turbines anchored beneath the sea surface, driven by ocean currents
Illustration from the Climate Cooldown board game.

In the game

In the game Climate Cooldown, "Tidal" is a sustainable Power card which harnesses the kinetic energy of the ocean tides and can be used to divest from unsustainable Power cards like "Coal."

Prospective degrees

Ocean engineeringRenewable energy technology

Careers

Tidal energy project managerMarine energy engineer

For the classroom

Discussion prompts by grade level

  • What is tidal energy and how is it generated?
  • Can you think of any advantages of using tidal power?

Connects to

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals