The installation of a floating tidal turbine brings EU researchers one step closer towards achieving a viable marine-based energy sector, it is stated in CORDIS’ press release.
A scaled down floating tidal turbine has been put to sea off the Orkney Islands in Scotland.
This pilot scheme is expected to enable researchers to better understand the maintenance needs of offshore turbines and gain operational experience at sea.
The initiative, made possible through the FP7-funded MARINET project, is the first step towards testing a full-scale prototype – a turbine 42 metres in length and 350 tonnes in weight – which is currently under construction. Its deployment is scheduled for next year.
According to CORDIS, the EU is investing significant resources into renewable energy – such as wave energy and tidal-stream converters as well as offshore-wind turbines – in order to reduce the environmental impact of using fossil fuels and to better ensure security of energy supply. This sector is still largely at the pre-commercial stage.
“The goal of the MARINET project, which is receiving almost EUR 9 million in EU funding, is to bring together partners from across Europe in a coordinated research effort that avoids duplication, speeds up development and supports high-quality research,” the press release reads.
Image: EMEC