Final answer:
The power available from tidal power generation in a given area can be more powerful than a wind turbine due to the higher energy content in moving water compared to air, although tidal power's contribution to global energy remains limited.
Step-by-step explanation:
The power available for tidal power generation in a given area can be more powerful than a wind turbine due to the fact that water is much denser than air, making the energy potential of moving water significantly higher than that of wind. Despite tidal power's potential, it is location-dependent, calling for large inlets with substantial tidal amplitude. Moreover, while tidal power generation is predictable, it is intermittent on daily and monthly scales and is often restricted to select coastal locations. Hydroelectricity typically has higher capacity factors compared to wind due to the variability of wind as opposed to the more constant flow of a river. An example of tidal power in action is the La Rance tidal power station in France. However, the overall capacity for tidal power to contribute to the global energy mix remains low, with only select locations being suitable for its development. While tidal power can have a larger energy output than wind turbines in optimal conditions, the practical limitations, environmental concerns, and the scale at which it can be developed suggest that it will remain a relatively small player in the energy sector when compared to sources like solar power, which has a much greater potential to meet global demands.