Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 16, The Friesland Province has committed €625,000 to the PROSIT project, which seeks to enhance energy self-sufficiency for the Wadden Islands by utilizing tidal currents. The initiative focuses on sustainable energy production to meet part of the islands’ energy needs.
The PROSIT project builds on the TidalKite technology developed by Dutch company SeaQurrent, previously demonstrated near Ameland. This system generates electricity from tidal currents and has been tested in the Borndiep channel. The Friesland Province stated: “The TidalKites are located in the water just off the coast and contribute directly to the local energy supply. The system fits in seamlessly with the ambition of the Wadden Islands to generate their own energy in the long term.”
While initial tests have shown positive outcomes, further refinements are necessary to optimize the technology for the Wadden Sea’s unique tidal conditions. The funding from Friesland Province will support these improvements. The province noted: “The expectation: higher energy yield and a smaller ecological footprint. The ambition: to generate half of the energy needs of the Wadden Islands sustainably.”
In 2023, SeaQurrent conducted initial trials of its TidalKite device in preparation for broader deployment off the Netherlands’ coast. Additionally, as part of the SHINES project, Inyanga Marine Energy Group will oversee offshore operations for the TidalKite at the Paimpol-Bréhat test site in France. This site will also host Inyanga’s 600 kW HydroWing tidal turbine, facilitating real-sea testing and grid integration for both technologies.
The PROSIT project represents a step toward sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the Wadden Islands’ goal of reducing reliance on external energy sources while minimizing environmental impact.
