Challenges in tidal energy commercialization and technological advancements for sustainable solutions

With the intensification of environmental pollution and energy crises, people have increasingly emphasized the development and utilization of renewable energy. The ocean, as one of the regions with the richest resources on Earth, is also abundant in energy resources. Ocean tidal energy, as a high-quality renewable energy, has attracted significant attention. Its working principle is to convert the kinetic energy of seawater into electrical energy during the ebb and flow of tides. However, due to limitations in tidal energy technology and costs, its commercial development still faces challenges. The purpose of this article is to further promote the commercial development of tidal energy. The paper reviews the economic methods for evaluating ocean tidal energy, analyzes the economic benefits of tidal energy commercialization, and looks back at different tidal energy technologies at the present stage as well as the prospects for these technologies. The author employs an economic cost assessment model, taking into account various cost factors of tidal power generation, such as construction costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, and operating costs. By comparing the costs, the author deduces the advantages and disadvantages of different technologies and further analyzes their feasibility. Based on these analytical discussions, the article provides relevant development suggestions. To a certain extent, this article offers reference significance for policymakers, investors, and related enterprises.