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Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about a surprising source of renewable energy—the ocean. Specifically, we'll focus on tidal energy. Unlike solar or wind, tidal energy is highly predictable because it's driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. However, there are significant challenges. The turbines used to capture tidal energy must withstand harsh saltwater conditions, which increases maintenance costs. Also, tidal energy generation is only feasible in areas with strong tidal currents, such as narrow bays or estuaries. Despite these obstacles, some countries, like the United Kingdom and South Korea, have invested heavily in tidal power plants. In fact, the MeyGen project in Scotland is one of the largest tidal stream arrays in the world. It generates enough electricity to power thousands of homes. That said, environmental concerns remain, particularly regarding the impact on marine life. Fish and other sea creatures may collide with turbine blades or be affected by underwater noise. Researchers are working on designs to minimize these effects, such as slower-moving blades and acoustic deterrents. Overall, tidal energy holds great potential, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.