Tocardo Tidal Turbines has installed five tidal turbines in the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier (Oosterschelde barrier) to generate clean energy.
This installation is the largest tidal energy project in the Netherlands as well as the world’s largest commercial tidal installation of five turbines in an array.
Taking into account the water levels, the tides and the weather and using the slides of the storm surge barrier, the tidal power plant was placed on a floating pontoon combined with lifters and installed between the pillars under the Oosterschelde barrier.
“This project marks an important step in the development of tidal energy. Tidal technology is innovative and could grow into a significant Dutch export product. The export expectation of tidal energy is more than 200 Gigawatt. With our turbines in the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, we can now show the world what tidal energy is all about: providing a clean and reliable source of energy that could fulfil 10-20% of the world’s electricity needs,” says Tocardo CEO Hans van Breugel.
Besides Tocardo and Huisman, many other Dutch companies are involved in this prestigious project. Strukton has been actively involved in the project planning and is fully responsible for project management during installation. Mammoet’s involvement in the project comprises the transportation and installation of the Tidal Power Plant at the Easter Scheldt storm surge barrier. The Zeeland companies Istimewa Elektrotechniek, Van der Straaten and Hillebrand also play an important role in terms of the electro-technical installation and steel structures.
Image: tocardo