China sources UK expertise to deliver 450kW tidal turbine

An international consortium, led by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, has been established to deliver a tidal stream turbine for the Chinese state-owned power company China Three Gorges.

ITPEnergised, Atlantis Resources and ITPower Group form part of the consortium looking to bring online a 450kW tidal stream turbine by the end of 2019, according to ITPEnergised.

The turbine will be connected to the grid and operate within a tidal test center in the Zhoushan islands, which is also being developed by China Three Gorges (CTG).

As China’s largest shipbuilding conglomerate, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) will be responsible for fabricating the turbine, using its diverse Chinese supply chain.

Zhejiang University, the third consortium member, will bring its experiences in developing and testing floating tidal turbines in the Zhoushan islands, close to the site selected for this project, ITPEnergised said.

ITPEnergised has contracted the services of Atlantis Resources to jointly provide CSIC with engineering designs for the tidal turbine system later this year.

The UK-based consultancy said it will then continue to support CSIC through the detailed design, fabrication, installation and O&M phases of the project.

Mark Leybourne, ITPEnergised’s Associate Director, who is also managing the project, said: “We are excited to be working on this project, having been involved with its inception with CTG over 3 years ago.

“We are looking forward to working closely with Atlantis over the coming 10 months and we’re confident that this project will provide our Chinese partners with a design that is superior to any of the turbines developed in China to date.

“The engagement of innovative British SMEs by such large Chinese state-owned conglomerates provides further evidence that the UK still leads the world in the tidal energy sector and demonstrates that the UK can capitalize on its position through the export of its expertise and leading technologies.”

Drew Blaxland, Atlantis’ Director of Turbines & Engineering Services, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the depth of knowledge we have accumulated in tidal technology and development, working with ITPEnergised to ensure that their client receives a demonstrator turbine system that exceeds all expectations.

“Supporting the eventual delivery and operation of the system, and proving performance and reliability standards in Chinese waters will be a momentum change catalyst to accelerate larger scale marine energy development in China.”