How tidal power is harnessed

Tidal stream

Turbines are placed into fast-flowing bodies of water. The flow turns the rotor blades to generate power. This is a horizontal axis turbine, one of many types used in tidal stream projects

Horizontal axis turbine

Tidal stream

Rotor blades

Tidal barrage or lagoon

Tidal barrages are built across river estuaries, while tidal lagoons enclose a body of water off the coastline. With both, water collects behind a wall at high tide and is released to drive a turbine

Tidal basin

Sluice

gate

Turbine

Ocean

Tidal stream

Tidal barrage or lagoon

Turbines are placed into fast-flowing bodies of water. The flow turns the rotor blades to generate power. This is a horizontal axis turbine, one of many types used in tidal stream projects

Tidal barrages are built across river estuaries, while tidal lagoons enclose a body of water off the coastline. With both, water collects behind a wall at high tide and is released to drive a turbine

Horizontal axis turbine

Tidal basin

Sluice

gate

Tidal stream

Rotor blades

Turbine

Ocean