Dutch energy company Tocardo BV looking at Tay for tidal energy project
A Dutch energy company is considering the Tay for a new tidal wave project that could eventually provide power for thousands of homes.
Tocardo BV commercial director Sander de Block and colleague Guido Massado were given a close-up look at the power of the Tay when they surveyed the area during the strong winds earlier this week.
- Published in the Courier : 14.09.11
- Published online : 14.09.11 @ 04.06pm
Tocardo BV is in negotiations with Marine Scotland over siting 20 turbines in the Tay estuary.
The company has had representatives in Dundee over the past days and is in the throes of establishing a new office in the city.
The turbines — which Tocardo hopes to have “in the water” next year — are collectively capable of generating two megawatts of power, which would provide electricity to around 2200 homes.
Company general director Hans van Breugel said there was huge potential in the Tay as a site for in-river turbines and said the company would look to expand its operations once it had an initial site up and running.
The wave turbines — which cause very little visual impact as most of their workings are submerged — are already in use at various sites around the globe.
The plan is to import the manufactured turbines from Holland to Dundee but the foundation, installation and maintenance work would be carried out by a local workforce.
Initially only a few set-up jobs will be available but it is anticipated that more posts will be created once the turbines are operating.
“The purpose of our visit was to investigate the potential of the Tay river for tidal energy,” Mr Van Breugel said. “We have been a few times and we are setting up an office in Dundee for UK further development.
“We have sites identified (in the Tay), we are talking seriously with clients and customers and we expect within 12 months to be in the water.
“It will be a power generator but, of course, it will also be a demonstration programme. There is no testing (required) because the system we have is commercially available and it is, for us, a commercial opportunity.”
Tocardo already has a Scottish presence at a base in the Pentland Firth.
09.08am - 15.09.2011 Caadfael - Forfar, Nuclear free Scotland Report This
Whilst this is good, where the hell are our own home-grown manufacturers? We are in great danger of giving away thejobs and futures of Scotland's workforce. Awake Scotland, get off your rump and build the future NOW!
10.20am - 15.09.2011 jim pearson - dundee, scotland Report This
best of luck hans. river tay has big potential for tidal power. i know of several good sites to place turbines. i know river very well jim pearson pearson elcetrical
10.58am - 15.09.2011 Caadfael - Forfar, Nuclear free Scotland Report This
Where are all the Scots firms eg Weir,Wood Group, BiFab etc? We are in severe danger of giving away Scottish jobs and engineering futures.
12.08pm - 15.09.2011 Ellis Peters - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Caadfael purports to support a nuclear free Scotland but insists on criticising a project to bring clean energy generation to the area. Get a grip. Well done to Tocardo BV.
02.18pm - 15.09.2011 Caadfael - Forfar, Nuclear free Scotland Report This
I only criticised Scottish firms for not being to the fore EP, not the dutch who may well bring a few kobs to Scotland. get a grip y'selfand learn to read!
04.45pm - 16.09.2011 Olaf - Dundee, UK Report This
Storage, storage, storage. The tides will not rise and fall with demand so how will this power be stored to even out the peaks and troughs? Or will we yet again be paying for power we don't need and can't use just with like wind turbines.
09.11am - 17.09.2011 Caadfael - Forfar, Nuclear free Scotland Report This
The high tide times vary round our coast Olaf, so that once numerous Tidal Turbine stations have been established ther ewill be a relatively constant flow of power to the grid, eg,Wick ;1350, Greenock ;1502, Dundee ;1722. Source BBC weather/tides
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