Dynamic Tidal Power moves one step closer as Chinese economic assessment gets underway
June 10, 2014 - ARCADIS (EURONEXT: ARCAD), The large scale generation of clean, renewable energy from the ocean's tides has moved one step closer with the news that the Chinese National Energy Administration has commissioned an economic assessment into the viability of building a Dynamic Tidal Power (DTP) facility off the east coast of China.
The potential facility would involve the construction of a dam stretching 60-100 km perpendicular to the Chinese coast between Xiamen and Shantou, and in the entrance to the Bohai Sea. The dam would capture power from the tide through a network of 4,000 turbines that would generate up to 15 gigawatts of energy. This is the equivalent of six large coal or gas power stations and would provide energy for more than ten million homes.
A consortium of eight Dutch companies, including ARCADIS, is leading the development of this new, patented technology with the Chinese Government, known as the POWER Programme. Following a series of feasibility projects over the past three years which have demonstrated the proof of the principle and assessed potential locations, the current economic assessment will look at the design and construction costs which are estimated to be in the region of US$40 billion.
Rob Steijn, one of the inventors of the technology and Director of the River, Coast and Sea Department at ARCADIS said: "We are thrilled about the fruitful co-operation with our Chinese partners. Of course it helps a lot that many tidal conditions along the Chinese coastline are very good for the concept of dynamic tidal power."
In addition to China, a number of other coastal locations around the world have been identified as having potential for dynamic tidal power. These include the Korean Peninsula and in the North Sea off the coast of the UK and Northern Europe. The Chinese economic assessment is expected to be completed by the end of 2014. If successful, the next stage is the testing and final design with the project potentially being completed by 2020.
What is Dynamic Tidal Power?
Dynamic Tidal Power is a potential new method of tidal power generation. It involves creating a large dam-like structure extending from the coast straight into the ocean, with a possible perpendicular barrier at the far end, forming a large 'T' shape. This dam would harness the tidal waves running along the coasts of continental shelves which contain powerful hydraulic energy.
Further information regarding Dynamic Tidal Power can be found here: http://www.powerdtp.nl/ or a video here: http://www.powerdtp.nl/Links/Links_LinkRedirector.aspx?id=237079
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For further press information, please contact:
Andy Rowlands, Head of Corporate Communications at ARCADIS on +44 (0)20 7833 6662 / andy.rowlands@arcadis.com
About the Power Programme
History: The concept of DTP was initially raised in 1996 by Kees Hulsbergen and Rob Steijn. It developed over the years and in 2012 the POWER consortium was set up, to cover all aspects of a DTP.
The consortium of the POWER programme consists of eight project partners and five cooperating partners. The programme is coordinated by ARCADIS Nederland BV.
Project team Partners:
- Strukton Engineering BV (Design and Construct)
- ARCADIS (Project Management, Consultancy & Engineering)
- Pentair / Nijhuis Pompen BV (Turbine technology)
- Antea Group / Oranjewoud BV (Engineering)
- WUR - IMARES (Wageningen University - Institute for Marine Ecology)
- H2iD (ocean energy consultancy)
Cooperating Partners:
- UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)
In August 2012, China's National Energy Administration formed a consortium of Chinese companies and research institutes to work with the Dutch POWER consortium. The Chinese DTP consortium is led by Hydropower and Water Resources Design General Institute, and includes China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Second Institute of Oceanography of State Oceanic Administration, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Guodian Longyuan Power Group Corporation Limited, China Three Gorges New Energy Corporation, Huaneng Renewable Corporation Limited, Tsinghua University, and Hohai University.
The following are available to the media:
- Diagram/ visual representation of DTP
- High resolution video footage
- Spokespeople availability for potential media interview:
Netherlands, Rob Steijn +31646129726 (mob.)
China, Dimitri de Boer, senior advisor environment and climate change, UNIDO (also in Chinese). +86-13501111195/ dimitrideboer@gmail.com
Contact Andy Rowlands to organise support.
About ARCADIS: ARCADIS is the leading global natural and built asset design and consultancy firm working in partnership with our clients to deliver exceptional and sustainable outcomes through the application of design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services. ARCADIS differentiates through its talented and passionate people and its unique combination of capabilities covering the whole asset life cycle, its deep market sector insights and its ability to integrate health & safety and sustainability into the design and delivery of solutions across the globe. We are 22,000 people that generate €2.5 billion in revenues. We support UN-Habitat with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world. Please visit: www.arcadis.com