Tidal generation systems are a bad choice because they convert the rotational kinetic energy of the earth into electricity (and ultimately heat). In so doing they slow down the rotational speed and lengthen days.
I don't think this is correct. The source of tidal energy is primarily the moon. The kinetic energy of the moon in orbit around the earth is pretty large.... I doubt that tidal power generation systems would ever be used on a scale such as to make a measurable difference in the moon's orbit, given all the alternatives, including direct solar power. And, of course, that tidal interaction is already leaking energy constantly. That's why the moon's orbit is shifting. The natural effect, I'm sure, swamps any possible contribution from human structures for power generation. Solar power, of course, *also* has environmental effects, direct and indirect. Beside the contribution from manufacture of the collection equipment, I'd assume that earth-surface solar collectors of any kind would reduce the earth's albedo, thus raising the temperature of the earth. Plus the power, when used, ultimately ends up mostly as heat. Double effect, how much depends on the conversion efficiency.
Satellite solar power would halve this heat contribution since the absorption part would take place in space. Increasing heat radiation *from* the earth corresponding to the power usage might balance the heat emission from power usage.
This is not a good thing for the environment, and its very hard to spin the earth back up again.
Not particularly harder than slowing it down....
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