Why Tidal Power Isn't Feasible in the Great Lakes

While the Great Lakes experience minor water-level fluctuations (seiches, wind-driven surges), true tidal ranges are negligible—typically less than 1 meter (3 feet). Tidal power plants require a large, predictable tidal range (several meters) to generate electricity efficiently. Additionally, freshwater's lower density (~1,000 kg/m³ vs. seawater's ~1,025 kg/m³) reduces the potential energy per unit volume. These factors make large-scale tidal power generation in the Great Lakes economically unviable. Other renewables (wind, solar) are far more practical in the region.