Tidal energy platform heading for Nova Scotia

The first tests have proven the installation, operation and performance of the platform; now, the second testing programme will assess its performance in Canada’s harsher climate, conducting environmental monitoring and assessing interaction with marine life. Black Rock Tidal Power Inc has applied Nova Scotia’s Department of Energy for permission to install the platform at Grand Passage for a minimum three-month trial period.  
Schottel Hydro’s sales director and head of Hydrodynamics Dr Ralf Starzmann, commented: “Connel has provided a fantastic testing facility for us with challenging tides and turbulence allowing us to test every foreseeable turbine mode. We are very happy with the data coming from the turbines, performing exactly to specification. Necessary turbine interventions during the testing had been carried out it in situ, with only a small vessel required. this just wouldn’t have been possible without the flexibility and modularity of the PLAT-1 platform.”