The Viability of Tidal Energy in the Electrification of Marginalized Coastal Communities


By: Eric Noynay

INTRODUCTION

    Uneven electrification can be a source of welfare disparity. Given the recent progress of electrification, we analyze the differences in access and reliability of electricity, and its impact on household welfare for marginalized and dominant social groups by caste and religion. In terms of electricity reliability, marginalized groups lost less electricity hours in a day as compared to dominant groups. [1] The viability of tidal energy in the electrification of marginalized coastal communities is an increasingly important topic, as the need for clean, renewable energy sources grows. Tidal energy, also known as tidal power, is a form of hydropower that harnesses the energy of the tides to generate electricity. It has the potential to provide a reliable source of electricity to isolated coastal communities, allowing them to benefit from the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

ADVANTAGES

    The key advantage of tidal energy is its predictability. The tides are predictable, meaning that tidal power plants can be built to generate electricity in a regular, reliable manner. This is especially beneficial for coastal communities that are not connected to the electrical grid, as they can rely on the predictable tides to provide a steady supply of electricity. 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

    Tidal power is a kind of hydropower that generates electric power by converting the energy of tides. Tidal power, although not a prime source of energy currently, has a great potential to be used for electricity generation. [2] Tidal energy is also a clean, renewable energy source. It does not produce any air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, and it does not require any water or land resources. Furthermore, tidal energy is a form of hydropower, meaning that it can be used to generate electricity with minimal environmental impact. 

    Finally, tidal energy is cost-effective. The cost of tidal energy is relatively low compared to other renewable energy sources, making it an attractive option for coastal communities. Additionally, the cost of the technology required for tidal energy is decreasing, making it more accessible for marginalized coastal communities. 

CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, tidal energy is a viable option for the electrification of marginalized coastal communities. It is a clean, renewable energy source that is predictable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Tidal energy has the potential to provide a reliable source of electricity to isolated coastal communities, allowing them to benefit from the energy transition away from fossil fuels.


REFERENCES

[1]  Sedai, A. K., Jamasb, T., Nepal, R., and Miller, R. (2021). Electrification and welfare for the marginalized:

Evidence from India.


[2]  Walker, Kris. (2020, June 02). Is Tidal Power a Viable Source of Energy?. AZoCleantech. Retrieved on February 15, 2023 from https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=350

[3] Image of "Tidal Energy Overview" https://www.altenergymag.com/article/2013/03/tidal-energy-overview/1212

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