Tocardo has acquired the 1.25MW Oosterschelde tidal power plant, the largest tidal array in the world installed on the Dutch icon Oosterscheldekering.

The acquisition follows the successful technical due diligence phase during September 2020.

The Oosterschelde tidal power plant consists of five T-2 tidal turbines in one of the sluice gates of the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier, with the potential of scaling up. It serves as an international showcase for the tidal energy sector and climate adaptation solutions, combining clean energy production with existing infrastructures and making efficient use of scarce land area.

“At Tocardo we are looking forward to taking this unique project forward to the benefit of the local area in terms of jobs, supply chain development and making an impact to the net zero targets. This exemplar project will be run as a R&D facility and shop window for similar global developments which provides significant export opportunities.”

Andries van Unen, CEO of Tocardo.

Beside a significant reduction of CO2 emissions, tidal energy contributes to a reduction in the emission of all other types of greenhouse gas, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Dutch technology developers estimate the technical potential for tidal energy in the Netherlands at 150-250 MW.

The entire Oosterschelde tidal power plant consists of five T-2 tidal turbines supplied & designed by Tocardo. These turbines are installed on a single hydraulic lift frame designed, constructed and supplied by Huisman in late 2015.

Commissioning was completed with commercial full operation starting in August 2016.