Why we have 2 ears and only one mouth
Sharing knowledge requires a lot of listening and less talking: only when you have new intel to share.. The Province of Zeeland is responsible for managing the project, guarding the effectiveness of the results and bringing together all tidal energy pioneers. Not just the project partners, but the entire tidal energy community. Of course, all partners chip in and take part of the responsibility by leading specific focus groups, connecting leaders an experts in very specific domains to develop a ‘state of the art’ report on current knowledge and shared research questions.
1. Technical Research Group
Waterwegen en Zeekanaal NV coordinates the Technical Research Group (TRG) brings together experts from across the project area. This group will make recommendations on technical matters for all the Pro-Tide projects and will compare results from different areas. The report on the ‘Best available techniques for ultra low head tidal and river hydro power’ by Jacob van Berkel is available here. For the report with an overview on innovative techniques, please click here.
Also, a master class was held in Antwerp on May 30th, which brought together dozens of experts, from 4 countries. You can read the report here soon.
2. Environmental Aspects Group
The Isle of Wight Council co-ordinates the Environmental Aspects Group (EAG) which brings together experts from across the project area. This group will make recommendations on environmental monitoring programmes for all the Pro-
Tide projects and will compare results from different areas. A master class was held on the Isle of Wight in May 2014 and an international workshop in 2015 will broadcast all crossborder www.
You can read the report here.
3. Economic research group
In addition to measuring the actual energy production, it is equally important to identify which system can be used best in which specific location. This will increase the outcome of cost-benefit analysis, which will take into account both the
construction and maintenance costs. An economic research group will improve the feasibility models for tidal energy plants.
Check back in, to find their conclusions.
4. Public Private Partnerships
The majority of tidal energy developments are likely to be funded by the private sector. However, the public sector has an important role to play in de-risking the development process and increasing public awareness of tidal energy systems.
Pro-Tide will also connect commercial and public parties and actively look for investors.
Using lessons learnt from all the projects, the Isle of Wight will host an international conference in 2015 looking at public private partnerships in the planning, development and operation of tidal energy installations.
If you are or want to become a tidal pioneer, this is a must-see event!
