What is a major limitation of tidal energy?

• A. Can only be harnessed in areas with strong tides, limiting suitable locations
• B. Requires constant sunlight
• C. Needs desert conditions
• D. Only works at high altitudes

Answer: (A)

Tidal energy relies on the natural motion of ocean tides, which is highly location-specific. Strong tides or fast tidal currents aren’t available everywhere, so the energy that can be captured depends on finding coastlines with suitable tidal dynamics (such as certain estuaries, bays, or straits). This geographic dependence means tidal power is inherently limited to a subset of locations, making wide deployment challenging. In other words, even with good technology, you’re constrained by where the tides are strong enough to generate meaningful power. The other choices miss the point because tidal energy does not depend on sunlight, desert conditions, or high altitude.