First Neptune Proteus tidal stream generator produced on Wearside

(19/01/2010)

A new chapter is set to unfold in one of North East England's former thriving shipyards as the first of a new generation of tide driven energy generators recently completed. The first tidal generator to be manufactured at the site of Sunderland's former shipbuilding yards is now complete and will be shipped to Humberside where it will be put into action in a series of trials.

The million-pound Neptune Proteus tidal stream demonstrator has been built on Wearside by family-run Wear Dock and Engineering. Weighing more than 150 tonnes and stretching to around 20 metres long, with a breadth of 14 metres, the generator has taken 25 workers more than six months to build.

Harry Wilson, managing director at Wear Dock and Engineering, said: "This is the first renewable energy generator to be produced on Wearside and it marks an exciting time for us as a company and for the future of the city's maritime engineering and manufacturing industry. There is clearly great potential in tidal power. It is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and has advantages over other renewable energy types due to the consistency of the tides."

"This project will hopefully lead to more work within the renewable energy sector, which will not only secure existing jobs in the city but longer term will enable us to create new jobs including expanding our apprenticeship schemes."

Wear Dock beat off stiff competition to land the contract to produce the generator from East Yorkshire-based Neptune Renewable Energy. The company plans to install the tidal power generator late December or early January for an initial three-month evaluation period. The innovative design of the generator means it has potential to produce 30 percent more electricity compared to traditional hydro designs.

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "As a former shipbuilder it is fantastic to see the city harnessing its skills in maritime engineering and manufacturing to tap into a sector with the potential to grow significantly. This is the first tidal power project for Mr Wilson and his team at Wear Dock and Engineering and we hope that it will be the first of many."

Since taking over the mothballed Wear Dockyard in 2002, Wear Dock and Engineering has become established as a leading East Coast ship-repairer and marine engineering facility.

The company has a broad range of maritime engineering technical expertise. In addition to the tidal generator, Wear Dock has recently worked on the manufacture of North Sea survivor rapid recovery vessels, a ship life extension programme for the MOD and production of 60 to 100 tonne testing rigs for North Sea operations.

Nigel Petrie, chairman, Neptune Renewable Energy Ltd, said: "We believe that the future for Neptune Renewable Energy and Proteus is extremely bright, given the renewed focus by Government on renewable power generation. We are confident that this technology can be successfully applied in other sites in the UK and, potentially, worldwide."

Related categories:  Wave and tidal power