The Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier (Oosterschelde barrier) in the Netherlands is to house five tidal turbines from producer Tocardo Tidal Turbines in the largest project of its kind in the country.
The turbines, which will have a total capacity of 1.2MW, are expected to be operational this autumn, and will supply electricity to 1000 homes. The number of turbines may also be increased in the future.
"This project marks an important step in the development of tidal energy," commented Tocardo CEO Hans van Breugel. "Tidal technology is innovative and could grow into a significant Dutch export product. With our turbines in the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, we can now show the world what tidal energy is all about, namely providing a clean and reliable source of energy that could fulfil 10-20% of the world's electricity needs."
For this project, Tocardo is working with co-shareholder Huisman, the designers of the turbines' suspension structure. Strukton has also been actively involved in the project planning from the outset and will be responsible for project management during installation. Another partner in the installation project is Mammoet, while Zeeland companies Istimewa Elektrotechniek, Van der Straaten and Hillebrand also play an important role in terms of the electro-technical installation and steel structures.
The Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier is the largest of the Delta Works series of dams and storm surge barriers, designed to protect the Netherlands from flooding from the North Sea. The fast-flowing water of the Eastern Scheldt estuary makes it the ideal location for generating tidal energy.
