What are the operational costs of tidal energy systems once built?

What are the operational costs of tidal energy systems once built?

• A. Relatively low compared to other forms of energy generation
• B. Very high due to maintenance
• C. Higher than solar on a per-kWh basis
• D. Typically negligible and zero

Answer: (A)

In tidal energy, the ongoing costs after construction come mainly from maintenance of the underwater turbines or barrages, protection against corrosion, subsea cables, and staffing for operation and monitoring. There is no fuel to purchase, so these operational expenses per unit of electricity produced are relatively low compared with fossil-fuel plants that must continually buy and burn fuel. There will be maintenance and occasional repairs due to the harsh marine environment, but that doesn’t push the operating-cost burden high on a per-kWh basis. That combination—no fuel costs and manageable maintenance—drives the overall operational costs to be relatively low compared with many other forms of energy generation.

In tidal energy, the ongoing costs after construction come mainly from maintenance of the underwater turbines or barrages, protection against corrosion, subsea cables, and staffing for operation and monitoring. There is no fuel to purchase, so these operational expenses per unit of electricity produced are relatively low compared with fossil-fuel plants that must continually buy and burn fuel. There will be maintenance and occasional repairs due to the harsh marine environment, but that doesn’t push the operating-cost burden high on a per-kWh basis. That combination—no fuel costs and manageable maintenance—drives the overall operational costs to be relatively low compared with many other forms of energy generation.