The Next generation tidal energy plants based on the principle of kiting.

Tidal and ocean currents contain a large amount of kinetic energy. SeaQurrent develops a completely new approach for 3D-Harnessing this energy. Our patented multi-wing TidalKite™ makes it possible to generate clean electricity from shallow (and deep) low velocity tidal and ocean currents with an efficiency rate resulting in a breakthrough of the price of electricity produced from tidal energy.

  • Renewable energy production, 100% predictable 24/7/365
  • First mover advantage in a large new market segment: shallow-water-low-velocity sites
  • Wide deployment potential: adaptable to all types of tidal sites
  • High energy yield: 3D-Harnessing and the TidalKite’s ability to vary its operating depth to maximise the energy yield, leading to a 3.1 times higher electricity production than current technologies
  • Low cost: near-shore deployment (limited infrastructure), unit size optimisation (number of wings and wingspan) to site specific conditions, small vessels for low reduced deployment and maintenance costs in near-shore environments
  • Minimal impact: no visual impact, low operating speed lowers sea-life collision risk, no impact on the seabed, use of a biodegradable working fluid.

Product Description

The system, illustrated below, comprises a TidalKite (1) that is connected by means of a (high tech cable) tether (2) to a power take off (PTO) (3). The PTO is fixed to the seabed by means of a Mooring Structure (4) and electricity is distributed to shore by an underwater electric export cable (5).

The TidalKite itself is a single rigid, buoyancy-neutral and hydrodynamic device, consisting of a frame with multiple wings placed in tandem. The kite wings capture the water flow, accelerating the kite through the water. The kite creates a huge lift force that is transferred via the tether to the power take-off. The power take-off comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a hydro motor-generator combination. The hydraulic cylinder is extracted by the traction force of the kite and the pressurised liquid is expanded over the hydro motor-generator combination, where clean electricity is generated. The electricity is transported via an underwater export cable to the grid.

Successful 1:10 scale model test in the Waddenzee

SeaQurrent successfully build, tested and operated a scale model of the TidalKite™ in the Waddenzee in 2018 and 2019. The tests focussed on the optimisation of flying the kite and the operational handling in a real life environment.

Future proof

A future proof energy system is reached if sustainability, affordability, and reliability come together. Energy from tidal streams is available and will be as long as the moon will circle around the earth, it is renewable and with our TidalKite technology it also becomes commercially viable.

About us

It is SeaQurrent’s mission to make tidal energy affordable. We do this by partnering with companies, research institutions and governments on the basis of mutual benefit.  Together we are realizing the world’s most efficient and environmentally friendly tidal energy plants.

  • Sustainable. Tides are an inexhaustible source of renewable energy.
  • Financially attractive and safe investment.
  • Clean. Fish and environmentally friendly.

SeaQurrent’s development team strongly believes in the power of flowing water. We are convinced that it is possible to harvest the energy of rivers, tidal, and ocean currents in an environment friendly and cost efficient manner. That’s why we fully focus on the development of tidal power plants that generate reliable, affordable, and clean electricity.

The development team is supported by specialized contractors, companies, and knowledge institutes including Technologie Centrum Noord Nederland (TCNN) and the University of Groningen (RUG). The Province of Fryslân also supports the development and has provided a first grant for the project.

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