What are the top 4 advantages of tidal power?
Renewable, green energy
Tidal energy is one of the oldest forms of green, renewable energy. It lost its popularity for a while, but it’s preparing a massive comeback. As long as the globe keeps spinning and the gravitational fields from the sun and moon keep working their magic, tidal energy is here to stay! Pro-Tide takes on the challenge to provide go to market solutions for existing tidal energy techniques.
Predictable capacity and long lifespan
Tidal currents are highly predictable, which makes it easier to calculate the best installation for each location AND plan the best possible use for the created amount of tidal energy. This predictability makes it easier to support specific projects. Pro-Tide helps to develop public-private partnerships and thus create proof for marketable techniques.
No impact on your surroundings (even under water)
Solar panels and windmills have an
undeniable impact on their environment. Tidal energy plants are built underwater, which reduces skyline interference. We test the impact of tidal energy techniques on their underwater living conditions. Pro-Tide
is just doing that!
Effective at Low Speeds
Water has a density 1,000 times higher than air, which makes it possible to generate electricity at low speeds. But there is still a lot to learn. Which technologies are best suited to create tidal energy in low dynamic areas like lakes and rivers? We are exploring the available techniques, testing them in different circumstances and locations, to select the best solution.
What is the aim of Pro-Tide on a technical level?
Tidal energy is still in its baby shoes and has big growth potential. New techniques are invented every day by various organizations! All Pro-Tide partners are joinging forces to tackle the challenges together.
To close the gap between dream and delivery, mutual research and implementation plans were developed, focussing on:
Click through and find out more!
What was the process of the technical work package?
The primary objective of this work package is research and knowledge exchange about the best available techniques for generating tidal energy in low head and low flow circumstances by testing at least 6 different innovative tidal energy systems on at least 5 different field and pilot scale situations, incl. the connection of these systems to national grids (electricity networks), to get a better insight into the functioning, revenues and effects.
The partnership started with a joint master class in which all current and emerging techniques and systems were analyzed regarding the pros and cons, costs and revenues. Special attention went to techniques and systems fit for the various pilot locations, tidal rivers and partners. This joint analysis led to a selection of techniques, further tested in the river Scheldt, around Isle of Wight, Dover and the Grevelingenmeer. (Read more on the pilots page)
Subsequently, suppliers, research institutes and observers are invited to participate, to deliver (test) systems and to carry out investigations. Site visits and expert exchanges involved all partners in the installation, testing and evaluation of the pilots. This gave the partnership the opportunity to discuss preliminary results and if necessary (also in each other’s interest) to improve the tests.
Finally, all test results will be combined, compared and evaluated. Conclusions can be drawn about the techniques, revenues, opportunities which arise where to make improvements and which technique is most applicable.
Once available, you will find this report here!
