Analysis of the development of tidal energy and its implementation

In the recent years, owing to the increasing carbon emissions from anthropogenic activities, the challenges caused by global climate change, including the greenhouse effect, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events, have become increasingly severe. It is also an urgent task for many countries to develop clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and establish a green low-carbon development structure. As a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source, tidal power is abundant in numerous coastal regions. Constructing tidal power plants to harness this renewable energy source not only provides substantial energy benefits but also plays a pivotal role in advancing green and sustainable development. Moreover, tidal energy has profound implications for societal transformation, fostering economic growth, and enhancing stability. Therefore, tidal energy is an indispensable component of clean power generation, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable world. By summarising the ongoing research on tidal energy, this paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the current status of tidal energy development and crucial insights derived from tidal energy applications. The mechanism of tidal energy and the structural design of tidal power stations are systematically explained, and the characteristics of tidal energy use to generate electricity in different regions are introduced. Focussing on China in combination with other countries, the latest technological achievements are summarised, and corresponding improvement measures are proposed for tidal energy development and implementation. Tidal energy, characterised by zero-emission attributes, renewability, and operational reliability, offers a vital pathway towards sustainable energy systems. Despite mature technology with decades of commercial operation, its deployment has progressed slowly because of persistent challenges, including high capital costs and ecological impacts on marine ecosystems. Consequently, resolving these constraints necessitates notable advancements in policy frameworks and technological innovation. This paper could provide reference material for the increased popularization and sustainable development of tidal energy power generation technology.