The project

InToTidal: an integrated solution for tidal energy

For the past ten years, Tocardo has been focused on developing tidal turbines. These turbines, which are at TRL8-9, can be installed with dedicated foundations in small scale applications for rivers and near-shore locations. However, the large commercial target market for tidal energy is in offshore application, which to successfully compete requires solutions with low upfront investment costs (CAPEX), low maintenance and operations costs (OPEX) and which produce large amounts of energy.

Therefore, the objective of the InToTidal project is to develop and demonstrate the world’s first turn-key floating tidal power plant solution capable of integrating five tidal turbines.

Tocardo is working on an integrated solution, dubbed the Universal Foundation System (UFS). The UFS is a surface-based floating foundation enabling low-cost easy access to the tidal turbines for maintenance purposes, with all installation and service operations undertaken by small readily-available vessels.

The UFS will be the first in the world to use a low wave response semi-submersible design.
The InToTidal project will focus on five key development elements:

• Turbine energy production enhancements validated through full scale monitoring and independent verification;
• Low-load mooring system;
• Low-cost anchoring solutions;
• Subsea dynamic umbilical; and
• Installation and service operations.

Whilst initial testing of this innovative tidal platform will be done using Tocardo’s tidal turbines, the system is being designed to act as a generic solution for tidal energy production.

The UFS will be the first in the world to use a low wave response semi-submersible design.

The system will be tested at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in 2017. Initial trials of a test foundation system commenced in February 2017 and will feed into the design and development of the bespoke UFS.

Following the 18-month InToTidal project, the UFS will be used for long-term demonstration of Tocardo’s T2 tidal turbines at EMEC’s Fall of Warness tidal test site.

Partners

Partners:

Led by Tocardo Tidal Power, the InToTidal project brings together:
• The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), the world’s leading open sea test facility, based in Orkney, Scotland;
• Leask Marine, an Orkney-based vessel charter, commercial diving, and international marine construction services company; and
• Ifremer, a French research institute focused on oceanic resources, the marine environment and fostering sustainable development of maritime activities.