150-tonne 'green' electricty generator to power the Deep

The generator left Wear Dock and Engineering in Sunderland on Wednesday on a barge.

Weighing more than 150 tonnes, the Proteus NP1000 will be the first full-scale tidal stream power plant to be up and running in the region.

It will be unloaded in William Wright Dock where it will undergo several weeks of trials before being taken to its mooring location in the Humber, off the western end of Victoria Dock.

The aim is to start supplying the Deep with electricity from this autumn.

The development may be followed by up to 10 more generators, creating a clean power plant.

Chairman of North Ferriby-based Neptune Renewable Energy Ltd (NREL) Nigel Petrie said: "At Neptune we see tidal streams as a largely untapped resource where there is a tremendous opportunity for future growth using the latest technology like the Proteus.

"A major advantage of tidal stream power is the delivery of a predictable source of renewable energy compared to more variable, less consistent, options such as wind – something which is a key consideration when it comes to building up generating capacity."

Neptune has worked closely with the University of Hull, who have carried out modelling at its Total Environmental Simulator research facility allowing the design to be refined with naval architects IMT Marine, engineers Water Hydraulics, Ormston Technology in Beverley and Dane Electrical Engineering in Scarborough, also playing key roles.

When in place it is expected to generate at least 1000 MWh/year by harnessing some of the Humber's massive tidal power.

The vertical axis turbine is spun by the current, through a gearbox and into a generator to generate electricity. It should supply around half the Deep's energy needs during the day.

It will be linked to the river bed by two hollow steel piles.

For more information on Neptune Renew able Energy Ltd,

see www.neptunerenewable-energy.com.