Eco-aims of Pro-Tide
One of the benefits of tidal energy installations, is that they do not alter our surroundings. Solar and wind energy devices have a reasonably large visual impact. Tidal energy had the advantage that all installations are under water. But what about the sub-water fauna and flora?
The Environmental Aspects Group (EAG) will figure it out! Their primary objective is to investigate the best locations for different tidal energy systems regarding the energy potential and the environmental effects.
Devices will
- affect sedimentation,
- alter tidal flow
- induce turbulence effects on flora and fauna (especially fish) in the marine environment.
These effects can vary considerably for different systems, but also the use of the same systems can deliver different effects in different locations. The increased protection of estuarine and marine habitats (often Natura 2000 areas), makes this research very important for both governments and businesses.
The Environmental Aspects Group (EAG)
The Isle of Wight will coordinate the environmental aspects group. This group, consisting of experts representing each of the 5 Pro-Tide partners, has a clear goal and process.
The partnership started with a joint master class in which, for all testing techniques and locations, the environmental aspects were identified.
This creates a protocol for environmental research (in Dutch EIA terminology: a Note Scope and Level of Detail). In this masterclass and during the practical investigations, the possibilities for mitigation were investigated.
You can read the full report here.
After this master class, partners took a look at the environmental effects according to the protocols being developed. The main studies in the field take place at locations around the Isle of Wight, in the Dover harbour area, in the coastal area near Wimereux and in the Scheldt estuary. In addition, desk studies took place to research the effects in the Grevelingenmeer and in the port of Dover. Their research, using a newly developed measurement platform (near Wimereux, in the harbour area of Dover and in the Sea Scheldt) is not only about environmental impacts, but also to identify the most suitable locations (in space and time) for the generation of energy.
This work package will be completed with a joint evaluation, which will bring together all the www. It will draw conclusions about the effects of different systems and possible mitigating measures.
Check back in to find out all main conclusions!
