Developers testing device to harness Humber tidal power

TESTS are being carried out on a pioneering generator to harnessing the power of the Humber estuary to create green electricity.

The Proteus NP1000 is set to be the first full-scale tidal stream power plant in the region.

It should produce enough energy to help power the Deep visitor attraction during the day.

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The generator weighs more than 150 tonnes and is currently in William Wright Dock, where it is being fitted with electronics and cameras for surveillance.

More testing is due of its hydraulics and electronic control systems over the next few weeks to optimise the performance of the shutters, which deflect the tidal currents.

A pile will be driven into the riverbed just off the Humber foreshore close to The Deep to secure the structure before it is ferried out at the end of the month or the beginning of September. It will be connected to the land by a footbridge.

When in place it is expected to generate at least 1000 MWh/year.

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North Ferriby-based Neptune Renewable Energy Ltd's financial director Glenn Aitken said: "In future we are looking at arrays of devices, probably in groups of five or 10, in different places along the river close to where we can use the electricity."

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

A similar device – but only a one-tenth scale machine – has been installed in the Humber, near Grimsby.

Backers of the technology say the predictability of tidal stream power is a major advantage over unreliable sources of green energy like wind.

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