Tidal power in the UK has moved a step closer today thanks to the technological assessment of a tidal stream turbine system by Bristol-based Frazer-Nash.
The systems and technology engineering company is one of the world leaders in due diligence on marine renewable technology and its assessment of the Norwegian Hammerfest Strom tidal system for ScottishPower Renewables will smooth plans for the power giant to develop a much larger tidal system in the UK.
The ScottishPower Renewables partnership aims to optimise Hammerfest Strom's technology in order to manufacture a 1MW tidal turbine for the UK coast.
Frazer-Nash’s role in the project was pivotal in understanding the viability of scaling up the existing 300kW Norwegian tidal turbine to a system three times as powerful for deployment in UK waters. Beginning in July, Frazer-Nash undertook technical due diligence of the Hammerfest Strom technology to ‘de-risk’ ScottishPower Renewables’ proposed investment in the project. On completion Frazer-Nash provided a report to assess whether the investment would enable the energy supplier to build a more powerful turbine to support Scottish energy supplies in the future.
Jonathan Armstrong, technical manager at Frazer-Nash Consultancy said: “Our involvement in a project of this significance represents the core role that Frazer-Nash plays in the marine renewable sector. The Hammerfest Strom prototype is one of only two tidal energy systems of its kind in the world to be underpinned by long-term testing at sea. Our role in the analysis of such a unique prototype further strengthens our position as one of the world leaders in this specialist field.”
Installed in 2003, the original Norwegian 300kW tidal stream turbine is connected to the local electricity grid and for the last four years has provided power for the neighbouring Norwegian town of Hammerfest, the most northerly town in the world. As the Norwegian technology is relatively unknown it was vital to the project that specialist assessment was undertaken before an investment was made. Frazer-Nash’s assessment of the current prototype involved site visits, interrogation of operational data, review of technical reports and interviews with key staff which provided vital information into the plausibility of the project as a whole.
Jonathan continued “Frazer-Nash is delighted to be working with a range of companies to help develop the technologies which will provide clean energy for the future. We are proud of our commitment and experience in providing such vital technical support to such a passionate industry.”
Frazer-Nash is one of the longest serving providers of independent technical support to the marine renewable sector, reflecting their early appreciation that the UK coastline is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the huge potential for tidal energy. |