We certainly need alternative forms of energy, but I'd like to learn more about the overall efficiency of these things. I would think it would take quite a bit of energy and natural resources to build a 156 ton, 7 story piece of steel, other precious metals, and electronics. How long does it have to operate before it breaks even? As someone below asked: How will it withstand the corrosive effects of salt water? And if you need pumps to replicate natural tides, its no longer natural...what impact might that have on tidal dynamics and impact organisms that rely on the tides for survival? Perhaps all of these questions are not issues to worry about, but I think the article would gain strength if the reporter touched them. The laws of thermodynamics tell us there is no free lunch...what's the trade-off with this form of energy?... |