The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Europe backs Scottish tidal project
A Scottish company has secured funding from the European Commission to demonstrate a direct drive tidal turbine – a technology predicted to have the potential to revolutionise the future of tidal energy.
Edinburgh-based Nova Innovation, a leader in tidal energy generation, in August announced the deployment of the world’s first fully-operational, grid-connected offshore tidal array in Shetland.
It has now secured grant funding of e2.25 million (£1.93m) through the European Commission under phase 2 of Horizon 2020’s SME Instrument programme.
The project titled D2T2 (Direct Drive Tidal Turbine) is designed to produce a commercial demonstrator of Nova’s innovative direct drive tidal turbine technology.
It will be a milestone in the long-term commercialisation of tidal energy as a source of predictable renewable power.
Direct drive machines offer huge promise for the sector, offering lower operating costs, improved reliability and increased energy output.
Nova Innovation managing director Simon Forrest said: “We are extremely excited to be embarking on this exciting phase in the commercialisation of our direct drive tidal turbine.
“This will be a major breakthrough for the sector globally – driving down the cost of tidal energy by improving the reliability, efficiency and maintainability of tidal turbines.”
He added: “We are looking forward to bringing this innovation to a commercial reality so that it can be exported throughout the world.”
Bernd Reichert, unit head at the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument programme, said: “We are looking for an elite of highly innovative small and medium-sized businesses that can transform markets and create rapid growth.
“Nova Innovation is a great example of how SMEs can disrupt the market with an innovative idea and the right technology.”
The D2T2 project with a total expenditure of e3.2m (£2.74m) and lasting 30 months will be carried out in Scotland, a leader in tidal energy development.