Europe backs tidal energy demo project

The European Commission has preselected one tidal energy project for support under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) call for investments in new maritime projects.

The project – titled VPSTTG: VPS for Tidal Turbine Generators – is in line for funding under the €8 million strand of a wider EMFF call designed to help developers test novel products and services in high-potential emerging blue economy sectors.

VPSTTG project will design, manufacture and test an improved tidal turbine’s pitch system – an important component enabling technology for more cost-effective tidal energy turbines, according to the European Commission.

Although not specifically named, the project will involve the participation of partners from UK and Spain.

A total of 22 projects have been selected under the call – launched in November 2017 – to share €14.5 million allocated by EMFF to accelerate deployment of a sustainable blue economy across the EU and the Mediterranean.

They will work on de-risking investment in demonstration projects, fighting marine litter and restoring ecosystems, cooperation for a sustainable blue economy, and better ocean governance in the Mediterranean sea basin.

According to the European Commission, the grant agreements are currently being prepared for signing.