This is a major benefit when compared to the other major renewable power sources like wind and solar. Wind patterns in particular can be very tricky to predict, relying heavily on weather forecasts and atmospheric conditions. The same goes for solar power, which can drastically lose effectiveness if some clouds happen to roll in. While the tides are consistent and predictable, the potential power generated by them isn't quite as consistent. The chief conundrum here is that, due to the way tides physically operate, tidal power can only be used as an intermittent power source.