Tocardo T-1 tidal turbines on their way to Pembroke Dock

Dutch tidal energy company Tocardo has sent off three of its T-1 tidal turbines towards Pembroke Dock where they will be installed on QED Naval’s Subhub community-scale platform.

The full system integration will be conducted at the quayside, as it is much safer and logistically easier than connecting up tidal turbine systems offshore, Tocardo said.

According to the Dutch company, after the system integration at the quayside, the cost for the installation offshore is quite low because QED Naval will be using only low-cost harbor tugs for the deployment.

The T-1 turbine, with power outputs ranging from 40 to 100 kW, features a smart reverse system that enables it to operate in opposite tidal flows for bi-directional power production.

Due to its relatively small size, the unit can be installed in shallow waters of four meters and deeper. It is said to be made to last with very minimal maintenance and its design lifetime is at least 20 years.

To remind, the 240 kW Subhub community demonstrator will be deployed later this year for trials at QED Naval’s test site in Yarmouth, off the Isle of Wight.

The self-deploying foundation system Subhub is a platform designed to support the commissioning, testing, transportation, and installation of an array of wave and tidal turbines.