TEST FOR TIDES

The sleeping giant of New Energy: wave/tide/current power.

Tees barrage to test tidal energy
8 June 2007 (BBC News)

WHO
The New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC), Jamie Grimwade, marine renewable technical specialist;
Stockton-On-Tees, where waves and tides meet currents (click to enlarge)
WHAT
At the conjunction of river and tidal currents, a chamber will be placed for the testing of prototype wave/tide/current energy capture devices in real rather than simulated conditions.

WHEN
Placement is planned.

WHERE
Stockton-on-Tees, a town in northeast England on the River Tees.

WHY
- The research chamber, 98ft (30 m) long and 13ft (4m) deep and attached to a lock on the tide-controlling barrage, is the first such in Europe.
- The models would prove the best device to be scaled up for use.
- Previous testing was with prototypes artificially moved up and back in lab tanks.
the barrage on the River Tees (click to enlarge)
QUOTES
Grimwade: "Tidal renewables are well on their way to becoming commercial. NaREC is in a great position to give this market sector the support it needs to fast track the testing and evaluation of concepts in a big way."