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New Chief Technical Officer joined Tocardo

Matt Reed

Matt Reed has been appointed as the new Chief Technical Officer at Tocardo and will take the lead on the development of the Tocardo T-2si turbine. Matt brings considerable experience to the team and was previously the Engineering Director for Marine Current Turbines and was instrumental in leading the development of the Seagen Project – the world’s first commercial tidal turbine. Matt has most recently been supporting HydroWing on the development of the Patented Turbine Control Hub under the ERDF Marine-I Program, developing a fully redundant control system for multiple turbine systems. On completion of this assignment he will transfer as CTO to Tocardo.

T-2si development

Tocardo are currently developing an upgraded version of the T-2 turbine called the T-2si – this has innovative control features allowing the turbines to produce higher yield beyond rated capacity using innovative control and blade technology. Matt will be supported by the Tocardo team and the parent companies HydroWing and QED Naval who are developing subsea tidal energy projects. Additionally, Matt will lead on supervising the ongoing developments at the OTP project in Zeeland.

The potential of tidal power in the Netherlands

The potential of tidal power in the Netherlands

In the past month, much attention has been paid to Tocardo’s activities in the Netherlands and the potential of tidal power in the Netherlands. Our power plant in the Dutch icon Eastern Scheldt barrier plays a starring role to underwrite the business potential. For everyone who missed it or who doesn’t master the Dutch language, here’s a summary for you!

Change Inc.

We are very pleased that the Dutch platform Change Inc. lately published an article about the potential of this renewable energy source in the Netherlands and Tocardo in particular. Change Inc is a platform that connects people, business and ideas for a better future. Change Inc. is independent, objective and relevant. That makes Change Inc. a powerful and platform for people working on SDG’s. A brief summary of this article: A diverse energy network is a more secure, resilient and cost-effective. Wind and Solar alone cannot replace fossil fuel power generation, the complementary characteristics of tidal energy will be crucial for a successful transition.

Virtual Gateway to the Netherlands showcases OTP in VR

Tocardo OTP project is also present at the Virtual Gateway to the Netherlands. The Virtual gateway enables foreign business and governments to experience Dutch solutions and products without traveling but still connects with everyone involved. Get your VR cardboard ready and watch the video here!

Tocardo OTP

Dutch Parliament and the VR experience

A Parliamentary debate was held on 10 June, in which the letter to Parliament regarding Electricity from Water was also on the agenda. Prior to the debate, DMEC handed over a photobook to gain attention for the sector and some of the present parliamentarians viewed the VR experience. During July the outcome of the debate will become public. In the Dutch province of Zeeland, tidal energy can contribute approximately 9% (1 PJ) per annum to the total production of renewable energy (11 PJ).

Oosterschelde Tidal Powerplant resumed full continuous operations again

After the announcement of the acquisition of the Tocardo OTP project in October 2020, we have worked hard to complete the commissioning- and testing phase of this unique project. On Monday 1st February the Oosterschelde Tidal Powerplant, made up of a platform of 5 x T-2, 250kW Tocardo tidal turbines, resumed full continuous operations again. This impressive and iconic Netherlands infrastructure project clearly demonstrates the global potential of energy from water in harmony with the environment.

Macquarie Group, GIG, recently showcased the OTP dam project and its global potential at the Climate Adaption Summit 2021. To see this hard work and project get such recognition makes us all very proud. This Dutch ‘Energy from Water’ initiative is a great example for the future. It showcases an energy solution that integrates nature and has an ability to simply scale up. There are some 400 global tidal deltas at risk of flooding that could benefit from such infrastructure and climate adaptation solutions.

For our clients we apply the learnings that we gain – tide after tide – from our showcase project at the Dutch icon the Eastern Scheldt storm barrier. We have seen the impact our technology and commitment has, and we believe that – working in partnership with QED Naval & HydroWing – we can and will change the world for the better.