Why can't we harness VAST natural energy?

Question

I live by the beach. In just a few thousand square metres of the sea the energy equivalent of multiple nuclear bombs is happening literally ALL the time EVERY day. We are talking about the basic and powerful energy of gravity between the Earth and the Moon. Limitless and predictable energy. Why are ideas for harnessing this VAST energy so dated (based on victorian steam engines) of using motion of waves up and down to generate heat and steam to fire old power stations?

Come to think of it, why is practical nuclear fusion now never publicly seen now as a potential energy source?

bonobo · Accepted Answer

We can harness vast amounts of natural and renewable energy sources.

 It is just a matter of how efficient and practical the process is. The amount
 of energy in a tank of gasoline is enormous compared to the energy obtained
 from a car covered in solar panels. That is why cars today for the most part
 run on gas. 

 Sometimes we just have to wait until technology advances enough so that
 the cost of using renewable energy becomes practical.

 Tidal power is being harnessed in some areas using underwater propeller-
 type generators. 

 As of now nuclear fusion is not a practical energy source since the net energy
 yield from a controlled thermonuclear reaction is very low. Fission reactors work
 well but have the problems associated with safety and radioactive waste that
 remains lethal for many thousands of years.

Why can't we harness VAST natural energy?

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