Abstract
This report provides a brief, illustrated overview of the tide-energy project near the mouth of the Amazon.
The project goal: use tidal energy to generate electricity. This project has developed technology to generate electricity on a small scale using tidal energy. It will enable rural residents near the mouth of the Amazon to meet energy needs in a way that is environmentally sound, decentralized, and economical.
Tidal energy: clean, renewable, and proven. The advantages of the tide as a nonpolluting and sustainable energy resource are clear. But it may be difficult to capture that energy at sea or on a coast. Conditions near the mouth of the Amazon do, however, offer that possibility. This is proven by the use of tidal energy to power more than 30 sugar cane mills in the region in the past. In fact, this project began by studying their traditional technology. As we will show, with modern technology there is no doubt that it is practical and efficient to capture tidal energy under the same natural conditions.