SMD Appoints Entec for TidEL Project
Environmental and engineering consultancy Entec has been awarded an initial contract with SMD Hydrovision (SMDH) to carry out the scoping for the TidEL energy converter trial device at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. Entec will be working closely with SMDH to undertake the necessary environmental assessments to support a number of marine consent applications which, if granted, will enable deployment of the device in Orkney in 2006. The aim is to deploy a single test device at the EMEC to undergo a minimum of 12 months testing. The trial device would be rated to generate 1MW.
SMD Hydrovision, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, has
a 25 year track record in the design and manufacture of innovative
sub-sea
machines. The Entec contract
was awarded following the DTI announcement of grant funding assistance of £2.7m
to SMDH for the further development of the TidEL system. The contract builds
on Entec’s previous marine renewables experience in wind, wave and tidal
power.
Entec’s project director Nathalie Stevenson explains that “Whilst Entec clearly brings a wealth of marine renewable consultancy experience to SMDH, each device has its own challenges and each location has its own peculiarities and Entec are looking forward to working with SMDH to progress the TidEL device concept.
“It is an exciting and challenging time for SMD Hydrovision. Having won a number of awards and the all important DTI grant, they are now working on detailed design considerations such as mooring options for the Orkney test site. We are working with them to minimise potential environmental impact throughout the 12 month test phase, which will include examining proposals for installation, operation and planned maintenance activities.”
Further Information
To speak to the Entec Project Manager, contact Nathalie Stevenson on 0191 2726461,
or email stevn@entecuk.co.uk
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