There is 10 GW of predictable tidal stream resource in European waters, which is entirely unharnessed, and presents a significant opportunity for low carbon electricity generation and wider societal benefit. Currently, generating costs are too high and there are also regulatory and supply chain barriers to sector rollout.
FORWARD-2030 will deliver seven priority cost reduction innovations for tidal stream energy, three market uptake innovations and four market rollout initiatives.
The tidal turbine cost reduction innovations include low cost anchors, 22m diameter blades, blade winglets, enhanced powertrains and pitch control systems, improved access weather limits though physical platform optimisations and tooling and improved electrical export architecture.
To address environmental consenting barriers, an advanced integrated environmental monitoring system for floating tidal energy arrays will be development.
A new ‘Societal’ Gross Value-Added tool will be developed to first assess and then inform economic impact of the technology at a local, national and European level.
An evidence case report for marine spatial planners will be delivered on the attributes of largescale Orbital technology deployment from a marine spatial planning perspective, multiuse opportunities and how potential sea user conflicts can be addressed and reduced.
Volume manufacturing delivery plans and improved carbon footprint will be delivered.
The entire project will be developed and demonstrated with regard advanced future energy plant and systems, integrating the tidal turbine with battery storage, hydrogen production and exploring enhanced revenue stream potential and energy systems benefit with wider pan-European replicability.
