The turbine, which is intended to be operational by end-2019, will be connected to the grid and operate within a tidal test centre in the Zhoushan islands, which is also being developed by CTG.
The consortium is led by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC - China’s largest shipbuilding conglomerate) which 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 has contracted the services of Atlantis Resources. The two firms will provide CSIC with engineering designs for the tidal turbine system later this year. ITPE will then continue to support CSIC through the detailed design, fabrication, installation and O&M phases of the project.
“We are excited to be working on this project, having been involved with its inception with CTG over 3 years ago” said ITPE Associate Director, Mark Leybourne, who is managing the project. “We are looking forward to working closely with Atlantis over the coming year 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 capitalise on its position through the export of its expertise and leading technologies.”
Drew Blaxland, Atlantis’ Director of Turbines & Engineering Services, added that the project is an excellent opportunity to showcase the depth of knowledge Atlantis has accumulated in tidal technology and development, working with ITPEnergised to ensure that the 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 help to accelerate larger scale marine energy development in China.
Image: The ITPE and Atlantis engineering teams at the project’s design kick off meeting in the UK (ITPEnergised)
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