To capture viable power from tidal energy, in most cases, the difference in high tide and low tide

height must be at least five meters (16 feet). U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Services. "Ocean Current Ene rgy Potential on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf." May 2006. Ocean Energy Technology Overview The available hydrokinetic power is a function of the density of the water and the speed of the current cubed. The minimum current required to operat e a hydrokinetic device is typically 2 4 knots (1 2 m/s), but optimal currents are in the 5 7 knot (1.5 3.5 m/s) range. River, Tidal, and Ocean Current Hydrokinetic Energy Technologies: Status and Fut ure Opportunities in Alaska U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Federa l Energy Management Program the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)