Tidal outfit Tocardo has signed a deal with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) to install a 20-year demonstration array.
The pre-commercial project will feature eight T2 turbines across two Tocardo systems at EMEC’s grid-connected tidal test site at the Fall of Warness.
Installation will begin next year as part of the deal which was announced at today’s International Conference on Ocean Energy in Edinburgh.
The T2 hardware has already been deployed and proven its metal in the Netherlands at the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier.
EMEC deployment is seen by the company as the next step on its path towards commercialisation. The demonstration will prove and validate the technology in a volatile offshore environment, the company said.
Tocardo CEO Hans van Breugel said: “The EMEC project is a breakthrough for Tocardo’s careful roll out of our technology moving from near inshore towards offshore.
“With multiple turbines operational in low, moderate and extreme high tidal flows we now feel comfortable to go offshore.”
He added: “The EMEC opportunity will boost the implementation of Tocardo’s commercial roll out. Tocardo is pleased to be back in Scotland and looking forward for a long and lasting partnership with EMEC.”
EMEC’s managing director Neil Kermode said: “It’s fantastic to see Tocardo entering the Scottish market. The tidal array they will deploy at EMEC will act as a stepping stone towards commercial deployments, and we’re delighted to be working with Tocardo towards that future.”
Image: Tocardo sea trials in 2013 (Tocardo)
