A MULTI-million pound tidal stream device is set to be launched commercially to generate electricity for The Deep in Hull after tests proved successful.

Neptune Renewable Energy (NREL), based in North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, has completed a series of tests at Hull's Albert Dock on the full-scale demonstrator of its world-leading Proteus NP1000 tidal stream power generator.

The company believes its device can provide the future for renewable energy by generating large amounts of electricity and is set to be deployed commercially at Sammy's Point in the Humber early next year.

NREL is now seeking a trade partner to help build the device and is also set to find equity providers to work with in order to build a number of the tidal stream power generators in the Humber in 2011 and 2012.

 

The electricity generated by the 150 tonne device, which NREL estimates will be able to meet the energy needs of more than 500 homes, will be used to power The Deep Submarium to further develop its 'green-energy' operations.

Colin Brown, chief executive of tourism attraction The Deep, said: "By seeking to connect our award-winning Submarium to Neptune's tidal stream power plant we believe that it will set The Deep on a course to be the most sustainable aquarium in the world.

"Certainly I am not aware of any other similar attraction which is in a position to generate its energy so close to home. Our support for this renewable energy initiative also ties-in with an overarching commitment to the environment in all areas of our operation."

Nigel Petrie, chairman of NREL, said: "We are delighted to have successfully come through the in-water testing phase for the Proteus Demonstrator which paves the way for the device to be commissioned shortly and installed close to The Deep.

"We are now confident that the first electricity can be delivered to the Submarium early in 2011. This is the culmination of five years of intensive efforts by Neptune and our partners and is a real first for the region, as we will be the only company to have a full-scale, commercially viable, tidal stream power plant up and running in the Humber.

"At Neptune we view tidal streams as a largely untapped resource where there is a tremendous opportunity for future growth using the latest technology like the Proteus."

Article Care of: The Business Desk