Pros
- Renewable Source of Energy: This energy source is a result of the gravitational fields from the sun and the moon, combined with the earth's rotation its axis, resulting in high and low tides
- Predictable: Tidal currents are highly predictable. High and low tide develop with well-known cycles, which make it a lot easier to construct the system with right dimensions
- Long Life Spans: There is no reason to believe that tidal power plants are not long lived. The tidal barrage power in La Rance was opened in 1966 and it still generates large amounts of electricity
Cons
- Environmental Effects: The effects of tidal power plants on the environment have not been completely determined yet. Technological solutions will resolve any issues that are currently being developed. All we know right now is that these power plants generate green electricity
- Close to Land: Tidal power plants need to be constructed close to land. Technological solutions are being worked on so that these power plants can be located further out to sea to prevent any damage on the land
- Expensive: Generating electricity from tidal energy is a relatively "new" method. It would cost the United States $15 billion to set up a tidal power plant. It is to be expected that tidal power will be profitable within 2020