Green energy from murky waters passes vital testing

The venue is looking to halve its energy bills next year using pioneering technology.

Testing of the tidal machine Neptune Proteus has been completed successfully and the machine – which is regarded as unique for its capacity to produce electricity from relatively shallow tidal estuaries such as the Humber.

After being put through its paces at the Albert Dock, North Ferriby-based Neptune Renewable Energy now reckon the machine can be supplying The Deep within the next few months.

When it is fully up and running, the machinery is expected to generate enough power in a year to light as many as 500 homes.

The company teamed up with Hull University for the research in the Humber Estuary, which is regarded one of the best locations in the country for tidal power, because of its depth and current.

The floating pontoon required for the equipment was designed so that only 20 per cent of its bulk will be visible above the water.

Company chairman Nigel Petrie said the project marked five years of hard work by his team and was a first for the region.

"We will be the only company to have a full scale commercially viable tidal stream power plant up and running in the Humber," he added.