Pioneering tidal device to harness Humber energy

A CRANE barge manoeuvres on the choppy waters of the river Humber at the start of work to install a pioneering green power generator.

The Neptune Proteus, a tidal stream power device designed for shallow, estuarine waters, will be secured just off the Deep aquarium in Hull in the coming weeks.

The £2.5m demonstrator, paid for by private investors, will eventually supply electricity to the Deep. Its developers hope to follow it up with a commercial array of five, supplying energy to local businesses.

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The Government recently more than doubled the level of financial support for wave and tidal energy.

Neptune Renewable Energy Ltd’s finance director Glenn Aitken said: “Neptune Renewable Energy is attracting high-profile support, both from private businesses and the government. Unlike wind, tidal stream power is totally predictable and continuous.

“We are currently working to finalise plans for commercial arrays, and experience gained from the Proteus device will be incorporated into the designs to optimise performance. We hope that the arrays will be manufactured locally, benefiting the community and strengthening the Humber’s position within the renewable energy sector.”

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