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Although not yet widely used, tidal power has the potential for future electricity generation. Tides are more predictable than wind power and solar power. Among sources of renewable energy, tidal power has traditionally suffered from relatively high cost and limited availability. However, many recent technological developments and improvements, both in design and turbine technology, indicate that the total availability of tidal power may be much higher than previously assumed, and that economic and environmental costs may be brought down to competitive levels.
Historically, tide mills have been used, both in Europe and on the Atlantic coast of North America. The incoming water was contained in large storage ponds and as the tide went out, it turned waterwheels that used the mechanical power it produced to mill grain.
Historically, tide mills have been used, both in Europe and on the Atlantic coast of North America. The incoming water was contained in large storage ponds and as the tide went out, it turned waterwheels that used the mechanical power it produced to mill grain.