Technology is available to exploit the potential energy formed by tides for the generation of electrical energy The basic structure is a barrage or dam built across a river estuary or at the mouth of a bay This dam is similar to that used in hydroelectric

The reading and the lecture are both about the tidal power. The author of the reading feels that it is a good alternative to renewable sources of energy. The lecturer challenges the claims made by the author. he is of the opinion that there are many drawbacks to the power generated and should not be used until the benefits are matched with the disadvantages of producing power. To begin with, the author argues that dams can be built to produce electricity. The article mentions that the dams built will be function in similar to the river dams and will produce electric energy. this specific argument is challenged by the lecturer. he claims that the energy produced would only be just a fraction of the energy required and because of this is not practical source of production. he claims that it will take more time and cost for bringing electricity from the far off location as such tidal dams are built in isolated areas. Secondly, the writer suggests that it has no harmful effects in producing the energy when compared to other methods. In the article, it is said that the this method of electricity production is a safe way of producing energy as it is environment friendly and does hamper any animals in the region. The lecturer however rebut this by mentioning that there are many drawbacks and very harmful for the surroundings of the region. he elaborates on this by bringing up the point that the quality of water will be severely affected in the region, there will be a rise in the salinity, mud and salt levels in the water which can be harmful for the species relying on the water over there. moreover, such habitat becomes conducive for the red tide organisms which cause paralysis to the animals, thus making the species vulnerable to paralysis. Finally, the author posits that this method is completely environment friendly. moreover, in the article it is stated that it is non-polluting and cause no contribution to the greenhouse gas and is also the most practical method to produce energy as it can be used in four periods considering the two high and two low tides. In contrast, the lecturer's position is that the method is very devastating for the habitat and will eventually lead to extinction of many species which rely on the habitat. he notes that by building barrages fish migration would be hindered and for the people who rely on fishing will no longer be able to commute between estuary water and sea water which can drastically affect the economy of the region.