Irish GKinetic Energy has deployed its tidal energy device to conduct tow tests in Limerick Docks, Ireland.
According to DesignPro, one of the GKinetic Energy’s partners, the project will see the GKinetic tidal energy device undergo tow-testing at the Docks for a 9-10 week period.
A custom winch using 500 m of Dyneema rope is up and running and is capable of towing the device at up to 6 mps over a 450 m tow area.
Commenting on the device deployment that took place on October 16, Vincent McCormack , the founder of GKinetic Energy, said: “Our success is a result of excellent collaboration and support from SEAI, NUIG, MaREI, DesignPro and SFPC. Their optimism and encouragement has hugely helped us along the way.”
McCormack announced plans for further exploring the Shannon Estuary region recognizing its potential for projects of this type, DesignPro’s press release reads.
“We will be doing detailed research into the viability of a tidal energy industry on the estuary. A successful tidal energy project on the estuary has the potential to provide long term employment for up to 300 people,” concluded McCormak.
The announcement follows the recent allocation of funding to GKinetic Energy from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in the amount of €200,000.
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Image: DesignPro Ltd