Tidal power arrives in Hull
A MULTI-million pound tidal stream device which the Yorkshire company behind it believes can provide the future for renewable energy has been launched in the River Humber.
Neptune Renewable Energy (NREL), based in North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, has developed the Proteus power plant, which was constructed by Wear Dock and Engineering in Sunderland.
The Proteus demonstrator has been moved to William Wright Dock to start a period of final commissioning before it starts an intensive three month trial.
It is anticipated that the device will be able to generate at least 1000 MWh/year – enough to power 1000 homes.
Electricity generated by the 150 tonne full-scale demonstration unit will be used to help power The Deep’s Submarium in Hull.
NREL said that the state-of-the-art Proteus would be able to work equally well in ebb and flow currents and consists of a steel hull, turbine, and buoyancy chambers.
The company believes that unlike wind power, tidal stream power was “regular” and “predictable”.
Nigel Petrie, chairman of NREL, said: “We are extremely pleased that the Proteus demonstrator is now very much a reality. Its deployment is the culmination of five years of intensive efforts by Neptune and our partners and is a real first for the region, as we will be the only company to have a full-scale tidal stream power plant up and running in the Humber.
“At Neptune we view tidal streams as a largely untapped resource where there is a tremendous opportunity for future growth using the latest technology like the Proteus.
“A major advantage of tidal stream power is the delivery of a predictable source of renewable energy compared to more variable, less consistent options such as wind – something which is a key consideration when it comes to building-up generating capacity.”
Mr Petrie said that Neptune is unaware of any similar device which is designed to
capture the shallow water resource in estuarine sites at significantly lower capital and operation and maintenance costs.
He added: The Humber Estuary was specifically chosen by Neptune for the first deployment of the Proteus as its depth and tidal flow is considered one of the best locations in the British Isles for tidal stream power whilst it is also relatively close to the company’s base in North Ferriby.
“The company’s location has also enabled the design to be refined and naval architects IMT/OSD Marine, engineers Water Hydraulics, Ormston Technology in Beverley and Dane Electrical Engineering in Filey, all played key roles to make the project a reality.”
