At the ‘European Tidal Power Opportunities Conference’ that was held in Middelburg on 19 September the coordinator of the project Energising Deltas presented the project. Pieter Bergmeijer, director of Tidal Testing Centre based in Den Oever, explained the goals, introduced the partners and shared the plans. He also invited the attendees for the end conference in the last quarter of 2014. The Middelburg conference was organised as a kick off for the project Pro-Tide, a European collaboration of the Province of Zeeland with international partners from France, Belgium and the UK. Together with EWA (Dutch Association for Energy from Water) they aim to strengthen the position of tidal energy.

“The Netherlands is known for its safe water defences”, says Pieter Bergmeijer. “And we want to be known for our innovative ways of generating sustainable energy while protecting the lowland from the upcoming water. By using tidal energy (energy from tidal flows) and blue energy (energy from fresh and salt water) we can contribute to the Dutch renewable energy target. With European money we obtain more knowledge on ecological aspects and governance. Together with companies, knowledge institutes and the government we will be working on a way to make it a strong export product for other delta areas as well.”

About Energising deltas
Energising deltas combines water safety and water management with sustainable energy generation into an innovative export product. Three companies (Tocardo, REDstack and Strukton) are closely collaborating with three research organisations (Deltares, ECN and Erasmus University Rotterdam) to gain knowledge about optimising energy production while minimising environmental impact. Additionally, new ways for decision making and governance aspects for this kind of multifunctional water defences will be found. Together with Tidal Testing Centre for coordination and Energy Valley Foundation for national and international positioning this project will give the Dutch trade and industry a head start on the world market.