Subhub – Tocardo

Three T-1 turbines delivered in Pembroke

On behalf of the board of Tocardo BV I’m proud to share this news with the rest of the world. After winning the tender last year, preparations, procurement, lots of manhours and persistence we have managed to ship three Tocardo T-1 tidal turbines. The bi-directional turbines have been successfully transported towards Pembroke dock where they will be installed on QED Naval’s Subhub community scale platform. The full systems integration will be conducted at the quayside. This is much safer and logistically easier than connecting up tidal turbine systems offshore.

The T-1 turbine

The T-1 is Tocardo’s community scale solution. By generating energy in a predictable and cost-effective way the T-1 is the best tidal turbine in its market segment with power outputs ranging from 40 to 100 kW. Due to its relatively small size, it can be installed in shallow waters (4 meters and deeper). The turbines are made to last with very minimal maintenance. The design lifetime is at least 20 years.

Cutting down LCOE

Logistics operations have a significant impact on the LCOE of our technology. We are convinced that it is better to install a larger number of medium sized turbines; turbines that can be brought to a (remote) project location by means of regular available (road) transport. The three Tocardo T-1’s will be utilized on the novel Subhub design. Subhub is a submersible, gravity based, foundation platform that supports every need of tidal turbines through life. After the system integration at the quayside the cost for the installation offshore is quite low because for the deployment QED Naval will be using low-cost harbor tugs only.

A big thank you

A big thank you goes out to: the team, contractors and all supply chain partners who helped us with their service and expertise to achieve this new milestone for Tocardo BV.

Marine Energy Wales

Wales is working hard to gain the early mover advantage to position itself as a global leader for the marine energy sector. Marine Energy Wales brings together technology developers, supply chain, academia and the public sector. Recently Marine Energy Wales published their state of the sector report edition 2021. Furthermore, Marine Energy Wales works to create a supportive policy environment to ensure that Wales remains one of the hotspots for emerging technologies such as tidal energy. Based upon their latest insights they are successful; the investment in the sector increased.

Investment in the marine energy sector has increased for the fifth year in a row

The 2021 State of the Sector report – published July 20th – details the recent developments in the industry, and looks forward to what the future has to offer. The key message of this report is: investment in the marine energy sector has increased for the fifth year in a row. Twenty emerging developers are progressing projects in Wales. In addition, four test and demonstration sites are under development. You can download the full report here: State of the Sector 2021

The importance of Welsh developments for Tocardo

In view of the region’s scale and ambitions, we closely monitor these developments. Not least because our JV partners have ambitions to install capacity on the Morlais tidal site. Wales has benefitted from our ambitions already with QED Naval establishing itself here and from recent orders and, as QED sets about acquiring site options for the future.

QED is now showcasing its community scale Subhub platform equiped with our robust and proven Tocardo T-1 tidal turbines. Furthermore, QED is building its next generation 1 MW industrial scale platform.

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Shipment of three Tocardo T-1 tidal turbines