The Tidal Energy Converter (TEC) System demonstrator saw the ETI invest £3.2m in a project to take a whole system and through life analysis approach to deliver the best optimised design for a commercially viable 200MW tidal stream array. It involved a broad range of the marine technology skill base and identified supply chain solutions applicable to generic tidal stream devices. Phase 1 of the project, launched in May 2012, was led by Atlantis Resources Corporation and project managed by Black & Veatch. The project drew on the systems integration and technology skills of Lockheed Martin, as well as many leading technology providers in the marine industry. The results indicate that tidal energy could be comparable and cost competitive with offshore wind by 2020. Key findings and deliverable reports from this project have been shared with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult the technology innovation and research centre for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy to inform their ongoing work in the area of tidal energy. |
