This project (Pro-Tide) aims to further develop and use tidal and stream power in NW-Europe by testing and comparing several technical systems at various sites and in various circumstances. There will be a specific focus on innovative systems operating at sites with small differences in tide levels and/or low flow rates. In this way this project will contribute to: - the Europe 2020 Strategy. focusing on themes such as technical innovation. sustainability. energy (efficiency) and SMEs; - EU policy in the field of energy transition from fossil resources to renewable resources. This project is interesting from a technical and energy perspective. and is also of major importance for sustainable economic development of cities/regions as local innovation and use of sustainable energy will also make these regions attractive for businesses and existing and new residents. The 4 operational objectives at the centre of the 4 WPs are: 1. Research into and exchange of knowledge on the best available techniques by testing at least 6 innovative tidal power systems at at least 5 different field sites and including pilot scale models; this also includes connecting these systems to power grids; 2. Research into the best sites for and the impact on the environment of various systems and the way in which adverse effects can be minimised. both in real conditions and in the pilot scale models; 3. Comparing and evaluating the costs and benefits of the 6 innovative systems in various circumstances and looking for opportunities for cost reductions and commercial use; 4. Research into public-private partnerships in developing and operating tidal power plants. including comparing legislation and regulations in various countries and the EU directives. Achievements: All partners are well on their way to implement their pilots.You can read all about our project in our brochure and on our website. The Scheldt River, BelgiumThe Scheldt bridge at Temse was identified as an appropriate location to run tests with tidal devices. Three manufacturers were selected to deliver three different tidal turbines to make a comparison, based on effectiveness, speed and user-friendliness. The study will reveal which turbine technique is the most sufficient to create cost effective energy in the low velocity of the Scheldt water.The Province of Zeeland, the NetherlandsThe Grevelingen Brouwersdam-project aims specifically at harvesting energy from tidal rivers or flows with low water levels, such as found at the Brouwersdam (1 meter deep) or delta rivers, while also ensuring fish friendliness.Using a Tidal Testing Centre, an analysis of the available techniques was made based on technical, economical and ecological criteria to identify the Best Available Technology for these conditions.The conclusion showed that the Modified Bulb is the best choice when considering high efficiency and fish friendliness. For power plants optimised for low costs, Free Stream turbines get good grades. Good runner-up candidates are an ejector-based technique and Hydrostatic machines.Want to learn more?Whatch the movies on Grevelingen dam here and here.The Isle of Wight, United KingdomThe strong flows in the water surrounding the Isle of Wight creates a lot of tidal energy possibilities. Three early stage tidal energy devices are therefore planned to be installed here. The aim is to develop novel concepts and provide information on environmental impacts and mooring technologies.The Isle of Wight is currently looking for 3 subpartners to test these devices. Furthermore, the surveys and assessments on the site are being processed, so the site research can be finalized and a consent application can be send by the end of November 2014.The Port of Dover, United KingdomThree devices will be tested in the Port of Dover to assess the feasibility of a tidal power station. To interest device manufacturers and develop a more detailed local model of the area, flow and wave measuring devices, such as the AWAC (Acoustic Wave and Current meter) were deployed in the research area.After one month, the results of the study with the AWAC turned out to be very positive: the flow speeds are higher than expected (with a maximum speed of 2.29 m/s), meaning that more energy can be produced.The AWAC was also found to be clean of barnacles and marine fauna after being down on the seabed during the tests. That is good news, since excessive marine growth on a tidal device would mean increased maintenance and cleaning requirements.More data will be collected these next months, enabling the project team to understand more clearly the potential device outputs. The devices are expected to be in the water by the end of 2014.Calais, FranceThe Laboratory of Oceanology and Geosciences/Université du Littoral Côte dOpale (ULCO) analyses the hydrokinetic resources based on in situ measurements of tidal flow characteristics at different sites. They also provide models to ensure the statistical analysis of local turbulence time series in relation with the power production.