Digest of tidal energy development news from April 20 to August 9, 2021
by David Hoyle
USA
The output of Verdant Power’s Roosevelt Island (New York City) tidal power array was measured over a period of 39 days by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). The array generated 187 kW at peak flood tide velocity. This is the first time EMEC has done an assessment outside of their Orkney, Scotland facility. A world’s first for EMEC and Verdant Power – International Water Power.
95% of the potential for tidal power generation in the US exists in Alaska according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The first article, below, describes NREL’s efforts to identify locations with the highest potential in the Cook Inlet. NREL’s chart on the technical power potential of US marine resources, included in the article, is worth a look. Cook Inlet tidal energy potential tops in the nation.
Maine’s Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) has submitted a permit application for a proposed 5 MW tidal power pilot project to be located in the Cook Inlet. Ocean Energy – ORPC Plans to Advance Tidal Energy In Cook Inlet.
Turnagain Arm Tidal Energy Corp has been granted a permit to study the feasibility of constructing two 8-mile fences across Turnagain Arm in Alaska; 220 tidal turbines would generate 2200 MW of power. Permit for Turnagain Arm Tidal Energy – August 08, 2021 – Petroleum News.
Scale model testing of a tidal turbine began at the Bourne Tidal Test Site in the Cape Cod Canal in Massachusetts. The Bourne site allows turbines to be evaluated in slower flows than at other test sites. The turbine is surveilled by video and acoustic cameras to monitor fish behavior. Renewable energy from tides: Cape Cod Canal project tests tidal power.
SRI International has received funding to develop its Manta underwater kite system. The kite generates electricity as its tether is pulled out from a generating station; each kite can generate 20 kW. (See also the article on Minesto’s underwater kites, below.) Underwater Manta Kites for Tidal Power Harvesting.
The island community of Eastport, Maine plans to use DOE Energy Transitions funding to study the feasibility of a tide-powered microgrid. DOE to Support 11 Remote and Island Communities Transitioning to Resilient Clean Energy Solutions.
Canada
In an update on an old technology, BigMoon Power of Halifax, Canada, is building the first of eighteen barge-and-paddlewheel tidal power generators for use in the Bay of Fundy. Each unit can generate 500 kW of electricity. Halifax company building its first commercial Fundy tidal power unit.
Europe
The ‘most powerful’ Orbital O2 turbine reported on last time has started generating electricity at EMEC, Orkney Islands, Scotland. Electricity from the turbine goes into the onshore electricity network and will also power an electrolyzer to generate clean hydrogen. Thanks to Bob Gray for pointing out this version of the article which includes a video with an interview of the CEO of Orbital Marine Power and video footage of the turbine in action. ‘Most powerful’ tidal turbine starts generating electricity off Orkney.
A second article about the Orbital O2 turbine goes into more detail about the hydrogen generation and also describes vanadium batteries that will insure that continuous power is provided to the hydrolyzer. Tidal, flow batteries and green hydrogen combined in world first £1.8m Orkney project.
Menter Mon and Minesto have teamed up on a tidal stream energy project in Anglesey, Wales. Minesto’s tidal kite technology enables electricity to be generated in low flow areas where conventional turbines would not be efficient. Underwater Kites… And The World’s First Low Flow Tidal Stream Project.
A Scottish study conducted around a subsea turbine showed that porpoises are able to avoid contact with the turbine’s rotors, apparently thanks to their echolocation capability. This is good news for the tidal power industry, since the risk of injury to marine mammals from turbines and their support structures is a real concern. Porpoises at little risk from turbines at sea, Scottish research finds.