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Investing in your future. Energising deltas is partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union.
Energising deltasWorldwide opportunities
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TABLE OFCONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
4 ENERGISING DELTAS - WORLDWIDE OPPORTUNITIES
CONCLUDING REMARKS
36 CONCLUDING REMARKS
PARTNERS
7 TIDAL TESTING CENTRE Pieter Bergmeijer
8 TOCARDO Hans van Breugel
12 REDSTACK Rik Siebers
16 ANTEA GROUP Piet Ackermans
20 DELTARES Arnout Bijlsma & Luca van Duren
24 ECN Martijn van Roermund
28 ERASMUS UNIVERSITY ROTTERDAM Arwin van Buuren & Mike Duijn
32 ENERGY VALLEY FOUNDATION Paulien Kooistra
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ENERGISING DELTAS WORLDWIDE OPPORTUNITIES
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DUTCH POSITION AND FOCUSUntil recently, energy generation from water has received
little attention in the Netherlands. Some partners in the
consortium, however, are specialised in flood protection,
which is an integral part of the Energising deltas concept.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of tidal energy has
already been demonstrated at several locations in the
United Kingdom and France. What makes Energising
deltas unique is its combination of energy generation,
water regulation and flood protection. This combination
has not yet been implemented before and offers the
opportunity for Dutch enterprises to develop, design
and build multifunctional dams, dikes and barriers based
on hundreds of years of Dutch experience in protecting
their deltas.
In this research project we focused on the interaction
between flood protecting works (Antea Group/Strukton)
and tidal energy (Tocardo) and salinity gradient energy
by reverse electro dialysis (REDstack). The main topics
were optimisation of energy production, minimisation
of environmental impact and developing a governance
strategy addressing how to organise public works which
combine flood protection and energy production. In
order to contribute to the Lisbon Agenda, we are now
looking for more European partners to establish a strong
network that can implement the concept globally.
Energising deltas is a concept which combines water management (especially flood protection) with
renewable energy harvested from water. This concept was the focus of the Energising deltas project,
financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union, the Province of
Noord-Holland and the consortium partners. It has been explored and developed for the Netherlands
and other delta areas worldwide. Private partners (Tocardo, REDstack and Strukton/Antea Group)
joined forces with knowledge partners (Deltares, ECN and Erasmus University Rotterdam) to forge a
scientific base for the concept of Energising deltas. The partners Tidal Testing Centre and the Energy
Valley Foundation were responsible for general coordination and communication.
The first goal of the research was to build special tools for technical optimisation and to construct
a generic framework to analyse and minimise environmental effects. The second objective was to
identify which governance issues need to be solved in order to implement the concept successfully.
Ultimately this will lead to a stronger position of the Dutch and European partners in the worldwide
market of safe and sustainable delta areas.
PERSPECTIVE OF PRIVATE PARTNERSSupported by the profound knowledge of the research
institutes Deltares, ECN and Erasmus University
Rotterdam, the private partners in this project are keen
to tap into the huge potential of the renewable energy
market and contribute to safer and more sustainable
delta areas. Although the Dutch home market shows
limited potential, the roll-out of the Energising deltas
concept offers a compelling showcase for decision
makers and investors from abroad.
THE ADDED VALUE The added value of the project lies not only in the
unique combination of sustainable energy production
and flood protection, but also in the build-up of a
stronger knowledge position. This will lead to:
• a strong export position
• input for projects in the Netherlands (Brouwersdam,
Afsluitdijk and Oosterschelde)
• better access to European funding
• more expertise on governance issues: how to
organise such combinations
• tools for technical optimisation
• tools for minimisation of environmental effects
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The results of this project will boost the development of
both tidal and salinity gradient energy. A recent study
by Ecofys et al. (2014), commissioned by Innovation
Quarter and the ministries of Economic Affairs and
Infrastructure & Environment, demonstrated that To-
cardo and REDstack are global frontrunners in these
technologies, showing excellent potential.
MARKET POTENTIAL AND STRATEGYTop Sector Water expects a considerable contribution to
the export of innovative delta technology, as mentioned
in one of their policy papers. The Energising deltas
concept is seen as one of these innovations. In more
than twenty delta areas in the world there is a need for
improved flood protection, where energy production
will be an added value. The question is which strategy
should be followed to obtain the revenues from this
market potential for our integrated delta technology
concept. We expect our clients to be foreign authorities
and therefore the role of the Dutch authorities might
be crucial. They can assist with lobbying activities
supported by research institutes offering relevant
knowledge. They can also provide the private partners
with room to experiment and showcase the concept in
the national and regional home market. They can also
act as a launching customer, thereby adopting part of
the risk related to the investment. The showcases of
the integrated concept combined with international
education programmes will create a strong Dutch
position in the international market.
KEY PARTNERSIt is important to involve key partners at an early stage.
The Dutch Water Authority ‘Rijkswaterstaat’, responsible
for water management and flood protection, is one
of these. Since Rijkswaterstaat is the asset manager
of Dutch dams, dikes and barriers, the production of
sustainable energy in combination with these structures
will affect and support them in their primary task.
Rijkswaterstaat has an important position in realising
the concept, passively as well as actively. Passively by
giving permits to test the energy production at relevant
locations, and actively by participating in the projects
as far as commissioned by the asset owner, the Dutch
Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. This will
THE PROJECT PARTNERS
In the following chapters the partners of the
Energising deltas project will tell their own
stories. Why have they participated in the
project and to what extent will the results of the
project boost the technological development
and market introduction? Which topics are
addressed and researched and which need
further examination? Both the industrial and
knowledge partners consider these questions
from their own perspectives. The final chapter
summarises the most important results of the
project.
The research reports will be published and
made available on www.energisingdeltas.com.
stimulate further development of the concept greatly
as an added-value innovation. Innovation is identified
as one of the important carriers of the Dutch economy
and Top Sector Water is designated by the national
government as one of the priority areas of innovation
with great export potential. It is therefore a must that
authorities are actively involved. In the Dutch water
safety network, the so called ‘Deltaprogramma’ and
the Top Sector Water are key players in supporting
innovation in this field. Other crucial players are
regional water boards, which own a great deal of assets
for which sustainability programmes are carried out.
Provinces and local councils may also play an important
role in water management, as it is part of regional
development and concerns economic carriers such as
recreation, agriculture and tourism. Equally important
for realising the concept is the player closing the long
term power purchase agreement, which may be an
energy company or a regional energy cooperative.
Independent knowledge centres may play a vital role
in opening foreign markets. This requires research
funding agencies to invest in research that makes state-
of-the-art design tools available. Last but not least, it
is also critical to involve financial partners to realise
international projects.
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Pieter Bergmeijer, coordinator of the Energising deltas
project and director of Tidal Testing Centre (TTC) in Den
Oever, looks back on an interesting project with useful
results. The consortium partners collaborated to examine
the main challenges of designing, constructing and
operating ‘energy dikes’ and to promote the concept for
further development and worldwide implementation.
From the very start the project company partners
REDstack, Tocardo and Antea Group/Strukton directed
research efforts towards those topics that would result
in a competitive advantage. Our knowledge parties
Deltares, Imares, Erasmus University Rotterdam and
ECN accepted the challenge and detailed up strategies
on governance of integrated energy and waterworks to
develop powerful technical and environmental impact
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PIETER BERGMEIJERGeneral Director at Tidal Testing Centre (TTC)
and Coordinator of the Energising deltas project
assessment tools. Together with Energy Valley we
organised the knowledge dissemination through several
well attended events. I would like to congratulate all
partners on the results we achieved!
ABOUT TTCThe Dutch Tidal Testing Centre (TTC) located in the North
of Holland at Den Oever provides excellent opportunities
for tidal stream testing at intermediate scale. It can offer
testing in a ducted channel, open water tow tests and
at its offshore floating site. Besides these services, TTC
is involved in several funded research projects, both in
national and international consortia. The centre also
collaborates with other test facilities such as ECN, NIOZ,
EMEC and other international networks.
TTCTidal Testing Centre (TTC) is the initiator and coordinator of the Energising deltas project.
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Energising deltas is a project with a unique and
innovative character, not only because of the concept,
but also due to the combination of consortium
partners. Since 2005 we have been testing our one
of a kind tidal turbine in the Afsluitdijk and installed
our first commercial demonstration turbine there in
2008. We are therefore intrinsically linked to both
sustainable innovation as well as the Afsluitdijk.
Combined with the fact that sustainable energy
deltas will be a significant growth market, our
participation makes sense.
TOCARDO“Energising deltas enabled us to reach a market we would never have been able to serve individually, as projects like these are of considerable scale.”
INTERVIEW HANS VAN BREUGEL
General Director at Tocardo
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The research questions addressed in Energising deltas
aimed to examine how such a concept can best be
designed and subsequently optimised into a Dutch export
product. The different partners were complementary
to each other in achieving this goal. Antea Group, for
example, is very capable of mapping the environmental
factors that occur in large infrastructural projects such
as energy dikes. The first step, however, is creating
a model to do so, which requires a research institute
such as Deltares. Another aspect of structures such as
the Energising deltas concept is the collaboration of
public/private parties. This was the focus of the Erasmus
University Rotterdam. The roadmap they developed
provides us with insight into what mechanisms are
present in such collaborations, what is the best course
of action to ensure the concept of Energising deltas
becomes successful worldwide and what we can and
cannot offer the government in question.
“Together with the partners of Energising deltas we are now in the process of selecting four or five areas with the highest potential and composing an operational plan to realise the first assignment between now and the coming five years.”
Energising deltas enabled us to reach a market we
would not have been able to serve individually, since
projects like these are of considerable scale. Tocardo is
a relatively small organisation with a high pressure on
R&D, which forces us to make choices on what market
sectors we can serve. Energising deltas enables us to
reach a market we would have otherwise ignored.
By participating in Energising deltas we gained a
remarkable knowledge advantage on several aspects
of the Energising deltas concept. This translates into
a significant competitive advantage, increasing our
chances of being selected for new projects. We now
know how to approach projects like this marketing-
wise and how we can optimise tidal turbines for energy
deltas. Additionally, we understand the dynamics of
private/public projects and their financing.
Energising deltas enabled us to enter the market of
energy deltas, domestically as well as internationally. In
the Netherlands the Afsluitdijk will continue to function
as a demonstration and testing site. We now have four
tidal turbines in the Afsluitdijk in Den Oever and are
planning to place 18 more in Kornwerderzand next year.
We are currently negotiating to place our tidal turbines
in the Brouwersdam, whilst the same possibility exists
for expansion of the turbines in the Oosterschelde. As
for our international plans, there are over 22 deltas in the
world which resemble the Dutch delta. Together with the
partners of Energising deltas we are now in the process
of selecting four or five areas with the highest potential
and composing an operational plan to realise the first
assignment between now and the coming five years.
We take both developing and industrialised countries
into consideration, as we can offer a comprehensive
solution for new structures, but are also able to optimise
existing structures. The Brouwersdam is a good example
of a decades old water safety structure which has
had a significant negative impact on its environment.
These kinds of structures exist worldwide and indicate
the potential of Energising deltas, especially in the
long term.
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We are pleased with how Energising deltas has been
executed and how the cooperation between the partners
has become more robust. Of course there are aspects
which we would have liked to see addressed in greater
detail, but choices had to be made in defining the scope
of the project. Although this project did not answer all
the questions we had, it definitely sharpened them.
Deltares optimised a model whereby we can answer
questions that occur in similar projects. The same applies
to Erasmus University Rotterdam’s research. We are now
aware of what to focus on in our marketing and we can
ask questions that are more concrete. Additionally, ECN
was able to convert their wind energy models and apply
them to tidal energy and tidal dams, which enables us to
answer these types of questions in forthcoming projects.
In future endeavours we would like to see these models
operationalised further and to develop a specific and
concrete framework for financing such public/private
projects. Naturally we will also continue to optimise the
Tocardo tidal turbine.
“The Dutch are already internationally renowned for their delta works and extensive knowledge regarding water, deltas and safety. And now we can also add sustainable energy from water to this list.”
The Dutch government should adopt a facilitating role.
When water defences are to be (re)constructed, the
option to create an energising delta and the removal of
barriers such as stringent regulation should be facilitated.
This will improve the learning curve of many innovations,
giving them a greater chance of reaching the market.
We believe that if the government would facilitate tidal
energy the same way offshore wind is facilitated in the
Netherlands, a domestic market with an export potential
of two to four billion euros can be created within the next
ten years. Additionally, the Dutch government can add
the concepts of Energising deltas to its export policy
and further utilise the export instruments of the Ministry
of Economics. The Dutch are already internationally
recognised for their delta works and extensive knowledge
of water, deltas and safety. And now we can add
sustainable energy from water to this list as well.
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INTERVIEW RIK SIEBERS
General Director at REDstack
REDSTACK“The Dutch are already internationally renowned for their delta works and extensive knowledge regarding water, deltas and safety. And now we can also add sustainable energy from water to this list.”
REDstack is a company which develops the Reverse
Electro Dialysis (RED) technology with the purpose
of bringing it to the market. We participated in
Energising deltas as it is carried out by a consortium
of parties which can bring our technology closer to
the market, and also because the project enables
these partners to approach the market as one. It
also gives us access to scientific knowledge which
we can now apply in our own technology. The
models of Deltares, for example, form an excellent
source of information for important environmental
factors, such as intake locations, currents and
changes in the concentration of fresh and salt water.
The Erasmus University Rotterdam, for its part,
developed a governance model, which provides us
with a framework on how to analyse optimally the
acquisition process. As such, all consortium partners
have their own strengths. They complement each
other in the Energising deltas concept and stimulate
the development of a high potential export product.
There were three topics relevant to REDstack in this
project. First of all, the REDstack technology is still
developing. Together with our partners Fuji Film and
Wetsus, we work on further development and optimising
the REDstack technology in our pilot plant. Subsequently,
when the technology functions well, it has to be placed
into its environment. This environment demands a place
where we can take in salt and fresh water, since our
technology revolves around the extraction of energy
from the concentration difference between these two
solutions. The larger the concentration difference, the
more energy can be produced. We also try to take in
as little as possible organisms, sand and other floating
matter. Both the horizontal and the vertical position of
the point of intake are therefore critical. Deeper water
has a higher salinity, which improves efficiency. However,
deeper also means closer to the bottom, which means
more sand, organisms and other unwanted matter in the
intake water. This kind of knowledge is essential in order
to gain an optimal energy yield. Deltares is the party
that can provide us with answers through their model
calculations. Each location presents unique variables,
which requires them to be modelled and inventoried
individually. When we finish development and will enter
the market together with the project partners, these
models will prove to be essential in successfully realising
Energising deltas. Another research question addressed
in this project concerned market entry, which is where
the governance study from the Erasmus University
Rotterdam comes in.
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“All consortium partners have their own strengths. They complement each other in the Energising deltas concept and stimulate the development of a high potential export product.”
As the project progressed, we received intermediate
results that sharpened the questions we started
with. These results provided us with answers, but
also generated more questions. These questions
were discussed in plenary and bilateral meetings and
subsequently converted into action points. Along this
interactive line of information dissemination we received
feedback on how to improve our technology, which we
have subsequently applied. Obviously, a choice needs
to be made between what can be addressed and what
can not, depending on the level of effort required and
the time and financial means available.
Deltares provided us with insight into the effect of
different levels of salinity. Additionally, we gained a
clear understanding of how the composition of water
changes over time. During high tide, water from the
North Sea enters the Wadden Sea, raising the level of
salinity in the water. During ebb, fresh water replaces
the salt water, reducing the salinity of the water again.
Furthermore, there were measurements which indicated
a higher level of floating matter and organisms in the
water during certain periods. We can therefore better
predict what kind of intake water we will receive and
adjust our processes accordingly. Another important
result is the location of the intake point. If you take in
feedstock water far off the coast, the water may have
a higher salinity, but a pipeline has to be constructed,
elevating the costs. On the other hand, a location close
to the coast may be less costly, but the amount of debris
that is taken in is higher. This project provided us with
a method to determine the optimal intake point for
different locations more accurately.
Summarising, Energising deltas contributed to a method
for determining the optimal intake point and process, as
well as strengthening the market approach. All Energising
deltas partners possess their own expertise and when
combined can realise the Energising deltas concept.
Ultimately, this project accumulates new knowledge in
the field of energy from water with existing knowledge
of building dikes, for which the Dutch are internationally
renowned. This is an excellent combination of existing
and new elements, which provides all partners with a
significant competitive advantage at international level.
“This project provided us with a method to determine the optimal intake point for different locations more accurately.”
The REDstack technology just passed the fundamental
research level and we now have our first pilot site. We
expect to be able to deliver our product commercially
around 2020-2025 and will therefore focus first on
the domestic market. By combining the REDstack
technology, the tidal turbines of Tocardo and wind
energy, the Afsluitdijk can be energy neutral by 2025.
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This will also contribute to the sustainability goals set
by the Dutch government. We also wish to realise a
project with REDstack technology in the Dutch province
of Zeeland. Additionally, our technology can be applied
using sewage treatment effluent, which further broadens
our horizon on the domestic market. Nevertheless, the
Dutch market is relatively limited with an estimated
domestic potential of 1.700 MW for the concept of
Energising deltas as a whole and a maximum potential
of 700 MW for REDstack technology1. We therefore aim
to develop our technology for the international market
in the longer term. We estimate the global market
potential on 1.5-2.5 TW for REDstack technology using
surface water resources. Since we generate energy from
the concentration difference between two water flows,
our technology can also be applied in other situations,
such as the industrial market, which strengthens the
international market potential even further.
The government has an important role to play in
launching the Energising deltas concept in the domestic
market in order to successfully apply the concept
internationally. Realising an energy neutral Afsluitdijk
is a good step forward. The government can support
the Energising deltas concept by keeping their eyes
and ears open and by utilising their embassy network
and international trade delegation visits. Besides this,
the Dutch government could facilitate projects such
as this by simplifying the permit acquisition process.
Acceleration can be achieved when the enthusiasm
and sympathy of the authorities towards the Energising
deltas concept can go hand in hand with stringent safety
regulations. Actions like these will significantly enhance
the chance of more innovative sustainable technologies
reaching the market.
1Deltares, Water als bron van duurzame energie, 2008
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ANTEA GROUP“This project forms the basis for a positive approach towards a changing world.”
Energising deltas is the first large scale project
of its kind in the Netherlands, combining water
safety, water management and sustainable energy
generation from water, carried out by a unique
consortium of partners. We at Antea Group were
keen to join this ground breaking initiative, as it
is very much in line with the kind of services we
provide. We were also attracted by the diversity of
the subject and consortium partners. Strukton is the
official partner of the project, but since Antea Group
and Strukton are part of the same holding, we joined
forces in the Energising deltas project.
Antea Group and Strukton were primarily responsible
for the design and construction of the installations on
the demonstration site at the Oosterschelde storm
surge barrier. We based our design and construction
on the multiple computational models composed in
this project to map the forces on the construction of the
storm surge barrier and understand the environmental
impact of the turbine installation.
The project consisted of three working packages,
aimed at optimising energy production and minimising
environmental impact of tidal energy, developed by
Tocardo Tidal Turbines, and blue energy, developed
by REDstack. The working packages primarily focused
on tackling the technological, governance and financial
aspects to enable the launch of a new, innovative Dutch
export product.
The technological questions primarily comprised optimal
sustainable energy generation from water at water
defence and water management works, with as little
environmental impact as possible. An issue inherent to
innovations is that governance and financial procedures,
as well as approvals, are still uncharted territory. The
normal tendency is to compare an ‘energy from water’
project with other proven technology projects. This was,
however, not possible for a pilot project like Energising
deltas, due to the innovative technologies. The Erasmus
University Rotterdam made a valuable contribution
towards developing a strategy and governance
architecture, providing us with direction for similar
future projects. The financial side is always a significant
challenge in projects like these. Economic indicators
usually requested to eventually gain access to finance
are not available yet and can only be determined by
actually applying the technologies. This is especially true
in public finance and was the main reason we focused
on establishing a business case through demonstration
of the technologies and development of computational
models. This is, however, true for most innovative
technologies and the reason why many innovations do
not reach the market: the well-known ‘valley of death’
situation through which these innovations need to pass.
“Early involvement of these authorities is essential for projects like this, since they raise issues that are not immediately considered. The first step is to develop proper theoretical models by research institutions or businesses.”
INTERVIEW PIET ACKERMANS
Business Line Director Infrastructure at Antea Group
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The energy generating technologies are installed
in public works, where water safety and/or water
management is involved. Therefore close collaboration
with legislative and governmental authorities is
required. Early involvement of these authorities is
essential for projects like this, since they raise issues
that are not immediately considered. The first step
is to develop proper theoretical models by research
institutions or businesses. Subsequently, these models
need to be validated in real projects. A good example
of this is the fish mortality: there are strict rules already
in place, however few projects exist where the real
rates of mortality can be determined. Despite this, the
involvement of several authorities also taught us how
challenging it is to realise projects such as these. The
concept is so innovative that governmental authorities
do not have a reference, making it hard for them to
judge what is and what is not acceptable. It is therefore
vital to involve these authorities at an early stage, so
that they can understand the project framework and
activities involved better.
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Antea Group operates in a market where innovation is
a competitive advantage. Because we were involved
in developing theoretical models, we obtained a
better understanding of these models and were able
to transform and apply them to an ‘energy from water’
project. Additionally, the project received a significant
amount of press attention and our involvement was
widely broadcast, further adding to the acquired
competitive advantage. This project and the subsequent
results are therefore of great value to us and form the
groundwork for further development and export of the
innovative concept of urban sustainable deltas.
“This project and the subsequent results are therefore of great value to us and form the groundwork for further development and export of the innovative concept of urban sustainable deltas.”
Dutch companies are internationally renowned for
designing compact areas with a multitude of functions.
Furthermore, we are historically known for our water
management skills. Combining the two is mere logic,
primarily because the energy potential of water is per
km2 a factor 100 higher than wind energy. Additionally,
tidal energy is a reliable source due to the predictability
of the tide and water currents. As a result, these
technologies can deliver continuous sustainable energy
(base load) and are able to give inhabitants of delta
areas worldwide access to predictable sustainable
energy every day of the year. In other words, this project
forms the basis for a positive approach towards a
changing world.
The Dutch demonstration sites such as the Afsluitdijk
and Oosterschelde will be used for further testing and
data gathering in order to optimise and certify the
models/systems. The Dutch sites will also serve as a
place to welcome the international community and to
demonstrate implemented technology. Specifically,
Antea Group will focus on expanding its knowledge
of the design and construction of the systems.
Issues such as structural load on the supporting and
suspension constructions were not fully addressed in
the computational models due to limited resources
and time. This is why practical performance posed
a challenge from time to time. These aspects will
be addressed in follow-up projects, since this type
of information is essential for acquiring permits and
calculating the construction and exploitation costs.
In the field of legislation, marketing and financing,
the Dutch government can play a significant role in
maximising the chances for Energising deltas on both
the domestic market and the export market. Legislation
is a critical issue. Sustainable urban deltas are integral
projects, where multiple government authorities are
involved. This makes acquiring the necessary permits
a time consuming process. One overarching window
would make the process much more efficient for
developers. The so-called Dutch ‘Omgevingswet’
(environmental law) has the potential to fulfil this, being
introduced as a one stop shopping instrument. However,
this does not mean that the people behind this counter
always know what to do and then it comes down to
the private parties again. The study conducted by the
Erasmus University Rotterdam provides a framework
for how the government can facilitate projects like this
and how governmental agencies can be involved in the
decision making process. Hopefully this framework is a
step in the right direction.
When it comes to finance, governmental subsidies
already stimulate the commercialisation of innovation.
Contrary to on-shore and off-shore wind energy,
subsidies for energy from water are currently still limited.
This makes the realisation of demonstration projects
such as Energising deltas an even bigger challenge.
We therefore invite the government to create more
subsidies specifically aimed at developing energy from
water. In addition, the government can contribute to
the sustainable urban deltas concept by creating more
awareness through for example trade delegations,
similar to the action Prime Minister Rutte instigated in
China and Minister Kamp of Economic Affairs took in
Japan and Korea.
2020
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DELTARES“We aimed to develop tools that optimise energy generation and minimise environmental effects. We focused on hydrodynamics and ecological effects in both near-field and far-field.”
Deltares is an independent institute for applied
research in the field of water, subsurface and
infrastructure. Throughout the world, we work on
smart solutions, innovations and applications for
people, environment and society. Our main focus is
on deltas, coastal regions and river basins, which is
translated in our motto: ‘Enabling Delta Life’. Our
participation within Energising deltas completely
concurs with this motto. We can provide a helicopter
view on various subjects addressed in this project,
such as hydrodynamics, sediment transport, water
quality and environmental impact, and are able
to integrate the knowledge of the partners into a
comprehensive solution. At Deltares we are used to
work in multidisciplinary settings, which is one of the
main prerequisites of this project.
INTERVIEW ARNOUT BIJLSMA
Senior Researcher and Advisor in Hydrodynamics at Deltares
LUCA VAN DUREN Senior Researcher on Ecosystems and
Sediment Dynamics at Deltares
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Within the project, we developed tools which help to
optimise energy generation and minimise environmental
effects. We focused on hydrodynamics and ecological
effects in both near-field and far-field, whereas ECN
focused on aspects relevant to turbine design. Together
with the commercial consortium partners, we selected
the most urgent subjects based on the available time
and resources.
“Near-field effects such as fish or seals being at risk from collision with a rotor blade are often more conspicuous and more in the public eye. However, far-field effects may be far more important in the longer run.”
To determine environmental effects, we started off by
establishing a generic framework of elements that need
to be considered for any type of energy generation. It
comprises effects on the physical environment as well
as on groups of species, ranging from plankton to fish,
mammals and birds. It also considers all aspects of energy
generation which can exert stress on the environment,
including moving parts which can damage fish and
mammals, changes in water chemistry and under water
sound effects. For each location and for each method
of energy generation different effects are relevant. For
example, for tidal turbines in the Oosterschelde it is
important to consider the effect these turbines have on
the exchange of water between the Oosterschelde and
the North Sea. Too many turbines will reduce the tide
in the Oosterschelde with possible detrimental effect to
the environment. However, as both the North Sea and
the Oosterschelde are fully marine, this will not affect
the salinity in either system. This is different for the blue
energy plant on the Afsluitdijk. Large scale operation
of such a plant would not change the total amount of
freshwater discharge in the system, but it would affect
the distribution and the salinity gradients, which in turn
would affect the environment. Sound knowledge of large
scale and small scale water movement is paramount
in this. Near-field effects such as fish or seals being at
risk from collision with a rotor blade are often more
conspicuous and more in the public eye. However, far-
field effects may be far more important in the long run.
Both for optimising energy production and to analyse
environmental effects, we worked with several computer
simulation models. One of these models was DELFT3D
(http://oss.deltares.nl/web/delft3d), a 3D open source
model developed by Deltares to investigate hydro-
dynamics, sediment transport, morphology and water
quality on the scale of ecosystems (e.g. the scale of the
Oosterschelde or the Wadden Sea). In order to assess
near-field effects and to optimise the flow in water works
and around turbines, we combined these with fine scale
models that describe the flow on the scale of centimetres
to metres, known as Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD) models. This model combination is an important
new development and Energising deltas therefore also
enabled us to optimise our own models.
For the REDstack technology we focused on what
locations would offer optimal energy production in terms
of water intake and outfall locations. We examined this
using the Delft3D modelling suite, to determine the
locations with high salinity and low silt concentrations.
The REDstack technology is in a pilot phase and is
still applied on a rather small scale. No significant
environmental effects are expected with the current set-
up. Research on environmental impact focuses on future
scenarios when the technology will be scaled up.
“In order to assess near-field effects and to optimise the flow in water works and around turbines, we combined these with fine scale models that describe the flow on the scale of centimetres to metres, known as CFD models. This model combination is an important new development and Energising deltas therefore also enabled us to optimise our own models.”
The results of our research are interesting not only
for the consortium partners, but also for other small
and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and parties
involved with Energising deltas concepts. Furthermore,
governmental authorities now have more insight into the
environmental factors that are associated with renewable
energy production and as a result might take up a more
23
facilitating role. Additionally, local interest groups can
benefit from the research in this project, since they are
often interested in the environmental effects of the
application of renewable energy.
Deltares has extensive knowledge of hydrodynamics,
underwater environment and habitat, but we have
limited expertise in fish species and their behaviour.
Since mortality rates of fish depend strongly on both the
local hydrodynamics, the characteristics of the turbines,
as well as on the behaviour of the different fish species,
we collaborated on this subject with IMARES and
with Tocardo.
The research conducted during Energising deltas
enable private parties to map the hydrodynamic and
environmental effects more accurately and more
efficiently, which is needed in feasibility studies and often
a prerequisite for obtaining permits. The project is also
an excellent marketing tool. These two aspects are not
just true for the domestic market, but can be applied
internationally.
Another positive aspect of the tools developed in
Energising deltas is that the project partners are able to
perform a quick scan to assess the possibilities and the
potential side effects of an application of the Energising
deltas concept. As a project progresses, the modelling
will become more detailed and focus on other aspects.
Energising deltas laid down a solid basis for these
processes and gave the partners a head start.
The results are highly location and technology specific.
That, however, does not mean other parties cannot
utilise the generated knowledge and apply the
frameworks developed during this project. Some reports
have sensitive company information and will remain
confidential, but most of the results will be published and
accessible via www.energisingdeltas.com.
This project has answered many questions, but each
answer has generated at least two new questions. Some
of these questions are currently addressed in concrete
proposals for new projects. We aim to set up new projects
in cooperation with Tocardo and the Technical University
of Delft to examine fundamental processes and effects of
turbines in waterworks. Additionally, REDstack and NIOZ
initiated research plans to study further the environmental
effects of taking in large amounts of water. This is relevant
when scaling up the REDstack technology.
In our future endeavours we would also like to focus on
further validating our models, on morphological changes
in the sea bottom, the relation between fish behaviour
and currents and perform a more detailed analysis of
the far-field effects when scaling up tidal energy in the
Oosterschelde. Needless to say, there is ample research
to be done, but Energising deltas was a big step in the
right direction.
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INTERVIEW MARTIJN VAN ROERMUND
Advisor Wind Farms at ECN
ECN“We envisage integrating other renewable energy sources into the Energising deltas concept, such as wind and solar energy.”
In cooperation with Deltares and Tocardo Tidal
Turbines, ECN was responsible for the technical
and scientific aspects of the turbine modelling
cluster in the Energising deltas project. Tidal energy
technology is still under development, so a lot
of knowledge is yet to be generated on both the
industrial and the scientific side. This project was
another good opportunity to work closely with
commercial parties in realising the Energising deltas
concept. The local nature of this project led to the
involvement of several small and medium sized
enterprises (SMEs) which we were able to support
with our scientific knowledge.
Energising deltas builds upon a previous European
Regional Development Fund project, which formed the
basis for the research questions addressed in this project.
As with any project, the available time and resources
encouraged the consortium to identify the most urgent
issues that arise when integrating tidal turbines in
waterworks. This was done in close cooperation with
Tocardo, by making a list of nice-to-haves and must-
haves. Together with the partners, a selection was made
on the topics to be researched within the scope of
this project.
26
As a result, the Energising deltas project has provided
insight into three main aspects. Firstly, the inflow
characteristics of the water resource were studied.
Furthermore, we looked at the blockage effect of a
turbine in a channel flow. The outflow behaviour of the
water resource behind the turbine was then determined,
showing the wake effects.
Regarding the inflow conditions, we studied the speed,
direction and turbulence components. The basics
of water flow conditions are very similar to air flow
conditions, which enabled us to use our wind resource
models as a basis. The foremost result of this exercise
is the outcome of a sensitivity study done after each of
these components. We now know the importance of
these elements and their subsequent effects.
Tocardo specifically identified the blockage effect as a
critical research topic. This effect occurs in waterworks
when the opening through which the water flows is
partially blocked, in this case by a tidal turbine,
influencing the flow conditions in front of the turbine.
Subsequently, we composed a computational model
in which we could simulate the channel flow and thus
quantify the blockage effect. This proved to be a
complex and labour intensive undertaking, since many
secondary effects occur when the degree of blockage
increases. Because the blockage effect directly influen-
ces the potential yield of a turbine placed in a channel,
we also recommend further research into this topic to
achieve reliable results for higher degrees of blockage.
Currently, we can confidently say the model generates
reliable results for blockage degrees up to 20%.
The third and final subject we focused on was the wake
effect. This is interesting both for a single turbine and
for multiple turbines placed in an array. The water flow
is disturbed by the turbines, when extracting energy
from it.
27
Think of passing a truck on the motorway, on a day
when there is a lot of wind. You can really feel the airflow
rocking your car. This is similar for an installation with
multiple tidal turbines, potentially influencing energy
production. In order to quantify this effect, we applied
our wake-model used for wind energy, called FarmFlow,
and made it suitable for dealing with water flows. With
this model we can now optimise the system lay-out for
multiple tidal turbines. The data can also be used as
input for sediment transportation models of Deltares.
“The toolset that forms the basis of these models can be used to model any tidal turbine in any location.”
The composed computational models are very location
specific and specifically applied for Tocardo Tidal
Turbines. However, the toolset that forms the basis of
these models can be used to model any tidal turbine
in any location. We therefore hope that any follow-up
project will involve more partners, resulting in even
more comprehensive outcomes and adding to further
knowledge dissemination. Additionally, we envisage
integrating other renewable energy sources into the
Energising deltas concept, such as wind and solar energy.
This would enable a more diverse and all round energy
generation of the waterworks. We also believe we can
add value to this, as ECN has extensive knowledge and
experience in these areas. Beside the engineering know-
how, we could determine the right mix of all integrated
renewables technologies for example.
As always, answering one question often raises
other questions, which is also the case in Energising
deltas. After proving technical feasibility, subjects like
operation and maintenance, cost optimising and life
cycle maximisation will follow. ECN looks forward to
help expanding existing knowledge on these subjects
and further establishing Energising deltas as a Dutch
export concept.
28
The Department of Public Administration of the Erasmus University
Rotterdam has performed a considerable amount of research towards
organising multi-functional public works and the Energising deltas
concept is a good example of such a multi-functionality. Combining
waterworks with energy generation requires collaboration between
public and private parties. This is something that does not happen
by default, particularly in the Netherlands where the water sector
is strongly institutionalised. It is a challenging endeavour, since in
our country water management trigger a significant public interest.
We were therefore motivated to join this project and examine with
which arrangements these functionalities can be combined and how
agreements between public and private parties are established and
can be optimised. Due to this project we were also able to work
more closely with market parties and develop knowledge about this
concept together with them.
INTERVIEW ARWIN VAN BUUREN
Professor of Public Administration
at Erasmus University Rotterdam MIKE DUIJN
Senior Scientific Researcher of Public Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam
ERASMUSUNIVERSITYROTTERDAM“We dare to state: if the Energising deltas concept can be realised in the Netherlands, it can be realised everywhere.”
2929
30
Focusing on collaboration between private and public
parties, within the Energising deltas project we examined
four Dutch projects that combine energy and waterworks,
such as the Brouwersdam, the Afsluitdijk and the Tidal
Technology Centre in Grevelingendam. We also examined
one project in the UK as a reference. We surveyed project
managers of infrastructural public-private collaboration,
which enabled us to identify and examine critical
process elements, what issues arise, how these issues
are addressed and how to optimise these processes.
We also performed a literature analysis to gain insights
into success factors of public-private partnerships and
organised several workshops to discuss our preliminary
results and consult with multiple governmental authorities,
businesses and other research institutes. This delivered
four distinct asset management styles of public agencies,
with some styles being more supporting to initiatives such
as the Energising deltas concept than others.
“We see many governmental organisations struggling with how to optimise their asset management and how to give more room for private initiatives. Our research provides them with perspectives on how to create more added value with public works.”
Based on these various research activities we have compo-
sed a governance model consisting of four phases that have
to be mastered simultaneously: idea and coalition forming,
the societal business case, the decision making arrangement
and the implementation and maintenance. We defined the
most critical activities for each phase and subsequently
described ways and methods to perform these activities.
In addition, we formulated six organisational arrangements
(‘scenarios’) that can be used to develop an Energising
delta application. In combination with the identified asset
management styles, we consider this to be one of the most
important outcomes, since it transcends the Energising
deltas concept and can be applied in a multitude of similar
situations. A final aspect we addressed is the international
application of the concept; what governance factors have
to be taken into account to realise the Energising deltas
concept over across the border, with specific emphasis on
the region of Southeast Asia?
“One of the most important observations regarding realising sustainable Energising deltas is defining a multiple societal business case.”
Our research can be applied by the consortium partners,
but is also of interest to governmental organisations in
search of (multifunctional) energy neutral infrastructures
and assets by means of public-private collaboration. It can
be utilised as a building block in the transition of energy
systems. We see many governmental organisations
struggling with how to optimise their asset management
and how to give more room for private initiatives. Our
research provides them with perspectives on how to
create more added value with public works. In turn,
the framework enables private parties to explore such
possibilities together with public parties and perhaps
induce a more initiating role.
One of the most important observations regarding
realising sustainable Energising deltas is defining a multiple
societal business case. When a business case is built solely
around energy generation and if societal externalities
such as additional employment, environmental gains or
knowledge development are excluded, it is challenging
to build a healthy business case. It is therefore important
to examine the optimal scale along which a business case
can be composed and which aspects can be attributed to
which parties in order to improve it. However, currently
we see governments endorsing the positive effects of
projects like Energising deltas, but they remain unwilling
or abel to translate this business cases that exceed their
own interest with regard to water management tasks. One
could use advantages such as security of supply, currently
attributed to the oil and gas industry. Both tidal energy
and salinity gradient energy are available continuously
and not dependent on the weather. In terms of base load
volume these sources can have a significant added value,
with the potential to maintain network voltage and thus
reducing network balancing costs. These kinds of values
are hard to quantify, but they still be made plausible with
robust arguments and a clear line of reasoning.
31
We dare to state: if the Energising deltas concept can be
realised in the Netherlands, it can be realised everywhere.
The specific activities differ per location, but our research
provides a framework of what factors need to be dealt
with in order to realise the Energising deltas concept
and how it can be applied internationally. When going
abroad it is important to realise the significant impact
a small scale application of the concept can have,
especially in developing countries. Realising a concept
such as Energising deltas is usually part of a larger delta
development plan. It can boost the local economy
because energy production and distribution can take
place without constructing energy networks these areas
cannot afford. Although larger projects might seem
more profitable, projects like these can bring important
publicity and experience.
This project will be concluded with a final report, followed
by an executive summary, factsheets about the case
studies and a background report. As for the scientific
publications this project initiated; together with Antea
Group we have already published three papers on public
asset management styles and are in the process of writing
a scientific paper about the role of governments in
innovative projects like Energising deltas. This topic will
become the core of an academic thesis for one of our
employees. Two related research papers on this project
will also be published. Apart from publications, this
project also led to future research questions. For example:
which institutional adjustments are necessary to facilitate
multifunctional waterworks? We would also like to expand
our knowledge on public asset management styles and
translate these into a process design: which governance
arrangements can be used to realise multifunctional
assets when a certain asset management style is applied?
Another subject would be refining our governance model
by applying it in a real project.
“The development of the Energising deltas concept will continue and it is vital to continue to follow these processes in order to learn. Only too often do we see the wheel reinvented.”
It is self-evident that one answer can inspire other
questions. The development of the Energising deltas
concept will continue and it is vital to continue to follow
these processes in order to learn. Only too often do we
see the wheel reinvented. Therefore we are pleased to see
that many issues raised in this project will be addressed in
future projects.
3232
33
INTERVIEW PAULIEN KOOISTRA
Senior Project Manager European Relations at Energy Valley Foundation
ENERGY VALLEY“The research in this project, such as the framework developed by the Erasmus University Rotterdam, forms a solid basis for further developing the Energising deltas concept.”
Energising deltas revolves around generating
energy from water, which is an important innovation
and contributes to national sustainability goals. With
technological challenges on the one hand and the
creation of stimulating conditions on the other, this
project boosted the activities of several small and
medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Simultaneously,
the local nature of the Energising deltas concept
enables regional development and encourages
economic expansion in the region. This is why Energy
Valley Foundation, being a cluster organisation
aimed at stimulating economic growth in the
Northern provinces of the Netherlands, participated
in Energising deltas.
Energy Valley primarily performed a network function
and was responsible for the communication around the
project. Based on a communication plan, the project
was branded with the Energising deltas logo, website
(www.energisingdeltas.com), factsheet, banner and
several presentations and videos.
Energising deltas creates a cross-over between the
energy sector and the water sector. Within these sectors,
we aimed to reach as many interested parties as possible
and inform them about the future commercial potential
of the Energising deltas project. Since the Energising
deltas partners envisage developing an export product,
a large part of our endeavour was also to inform and
involve the international community.
34
Apart from receiving visitors on the testing sites and
enthusing them about the possibilities, we organised
a great many workshops and attended national and
international congresses and events. A good example
of a national event is the Clean Tech Business Day. We
also presented the project on the Hannover Messe, the
largest international technology fair in Europe, where
many of the consortium partners were also present.
There we presented the Energising deltas video,
informing stand visitors about the project partners and
their activities.
The cooperation of stakeholders, national as well as
international, was shaped through several meetings,
workshops and other activities. Nationally, the testing
facilities within Energising deltas started to collaborate
closely and shared their findings. We also worked
together with ‘Top Sector Energie’, a government
incentive aimed at strengthening the Dutch economy
through clean and efficiently generated energy, as well
as other Dutch governmental agencies.
“Together with Scottish and Portuguese Action Group Partners, the Energy Valley Foundation is now focusing on gathering input for a new subsidy programme in 2020.”
On an international level, the Energising deltas project
greatly contributed to the establishment of the new
European Action Group ‘Energy & Water Works’. This
action group was initiated within the framework of the
European Innovation Partnership on Water, which aims
to enhance European interest in innovative crossovers
between energy and water in the development of policy,
markets and knowledge, and to further the relevant
industrial policies. In this light, a successful seminar
was organised during the EU Sustainable Energy Week.
Knowledge on the Energising deltas project was further
disseminated and developed through forum discussions,
talks on the newly stated Action Group and the latest
developments in the field of energy and water. Together
with Scottish and Portuguese Action Group Partners,
the Energy Valley Foundation is now focusing on
gathering input for a new subsidy programme in 2020.
We have also organised a workshop for Dutch parties to
inform them about the available EU subsidy programmes
and encouraged them to bring specific cases to the
table to assess which subsidy programme fits.
The preliminary results of the Energising deltas project
have been presented at a national conference last
February. As part of our activities, this brochure and
of course the website will be used for international
dissemination of the results. By attending many
related events, we were able to highlight the goals and
activities of the Energising deltas project. We were also
honoured to welcome many notable visitors, including
35
Maroš Šefcovic, vice president of the Energy Union, the
Dutch King and Queen Willem-Alexander and Maxima
and Melanie Schultz van Haegen, Dutch Minister of
Infrastructure and the Environment.
Energy Valley focuses on a multitude of energy issues
and aims at a catalysing function in disseminating tools
and insights, whilst helping SMEs access European
funds. In future endeavours we expect to integrate these
efforts even more and stimulate regional economic
development. The research in this project, such as
the framework developed by the Erasmus University
Rotterdam, forms a solid basis for further developing
the Energising deltas concept. There is, however,
still a lot of collaborative work to be achieved before
sustainable energising deltas can be realised to their full
potential. The government could alleviate the workload
by creating experimental space by temporarily removing
barriers and restrictions and thus stimulating a more
efficient development of the Energising deltas concept.
“By attending many related events, we were able to highlight the goals and activities of the Energising deltas project. We were also honoured to welcome many notable visitors.”
ˇ ˇŠefcovic,
36
CONCLUDING REMARKS
36
37
How do you successfully organise, design, build and operate a concept such as Energising deltas in
terms of governance, energy performance and environmental impact? Answering this question was
the primary goal of the Energising deltas project. Commercial partners were in the driver’s seat. They
posed their questions to the research institutes which, in turn, provided them with answers. The
result was a competitive advantage in both domestic and global markets. Many questions have been
answered indeed and although some answers generate new questions, we made substantial progress
in gaining knowledge and insights on the topics examined. The following summarises the main findings
from this inspiring project.
GOVERNANCE OF INTEGRATED ENERGY AND WATER WORKSRealising a concept such as Energising deltas (an
integrated water – energy work) is a non-linear activity.
It requires simultaneous exploration of the project
idea (functional scope), a ‘coalition of the willing’, the
societal argumentation (the ‘story line’), the public-
private collaboration and the exploitation model after
the construction has been completed.
To improve the process of public-private collaboration,
it is important to invest in mutual trust, openness and
reciprocity. An independent process facilitator accepted
by the key parties can contribute to such a process.
The same is true for a transparent and accessible
development process that includes key actors and works
along clear pre-set and iterative steps. In this process it is
important each partner knows its role in the project and
that confusion is avoided.
All actors should be willing to do something more than
their ‘core business’ and their responsibilities should
not be too narrowly defined. Otherwise, invincible role
gaps impede the realisation of an integrated water and
energy work.
Successfully realising integrated energy and water works
highly depends upon:
• the cooperation of the public asset manager and his
willingness to facilitate multifunctional use of the water
work. In addition, a learning and collaborative attitude
towards the consequences of co-use is more beneficial
than a risk avoiding and a ‘go-alone’ strategy.
• realising this type of integrated innovative water
works requires a more explorative and open attitude
of the public asset manager. This is quite difficult due
to the strict conditions set by the asset owner and
the culture of risk minimisation that dominates asset
management. At the same time, private actors have to
acknowledge the specific responsibility of the public
asset manager and his limited room for manoeuvre.
• broadening the business case and including the
wider benefits of realising an integrated water and
energy work (recreation, knowledge development,
employability, etc). In addition, it is necessary that all
public and private actors acknowledge these various
(indirect) effects and are willing to translate them into
a financial or organisational contribution. A multi-
value business case that connects short term and long
term, public and private interests is the only viable
basis for an integrated energy and water work.
There are various governance arrangements available
to organise an integrated water and energy work,
such as a permit combined with a rental contract or an
integrated contract based upon availability pricing. The
choice for a specific arrangement highly depends upon
the preferences of the public asset manager (keeping
private functions at a distance or incorporating them
into the business; risk taking or risk avoiding, etc).
38
DEVELOPMENT OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT TOOLSThe development of the impact assessment tools
focused on two types of energy from water: tidal stream
energy and salinity gradient energy (based on reverse
electro-dialysis technology), applied in barriers or dams.
Research focused primarily on hydrodynamics and
environmental effects of the Oosterschelde storm surge
barrier and the Afsluitdijk, a major closure dam along
the Western part of the Wadden Sea.
After consultation with the industrial project partners,
priority was given to CFD modelling of tidal turbines
in hydraulic structures, the water resource used as
input for the turbine models, the effect of blockage
on the channel flow and how to characterise a wake
behind a tidal turbine. For optimising salinity gradient
power, modelling of seasonally varying salt and silt
concentrations was required. For both technologies,
developing a way to identify and characterise environ-
mental effects was also on the priority list.
In terms of computational models and methods, this led
to the following results:
• The feasibility of CFD modelling of tidal turbines
in hydraulic structures was demonstrated for the
Oosterschelde storm surge barrier and validated as
far as possible. Combined with existing far-field flow
models such as Delft3D, this provides an innovative
instrument to describe the most important flow
effects and patterns for near- and far-field.
• A generic evaluation instrument for ecological effects
has been demonstrated, providing a framework for
application to specific (renewable) energy techniques
in different areas.
In terms of the design parameters for optimising power
production and minimising environmental effects of
tidal stream energy and salinity gradient energy (blue
energy):
• Tidal Stream Energy: The instruments help to
› better understand the water resource used as input
for the turbine models, the effect of blockage on
the channel flow and how to characterise a wake
behind a tidal turbine;
› determine both the loading by the currents on the
turbines and the effects of the turbines on tidal
dynamics or discharge capacity of the hydraulic
structure, needed for optimal power generation;
› provide the basis for determination of environ-
mental effects.
Taken together, this forms a powerful tool set that
can be used as a basis for further detailing of the
Energising deltas concept or for preliminary design
of such a concept in the early phases of a water
management project.
• Blue Energy: The instruments help to
› choose the position and level of water intake,
dealing with the conflicting requirements of high
salinity and low concentration of suspended
solids at the intake point;
› optimise the position of the salt water intake and
the outfall of mixed water to reduce recirculation
of mixed water.
Both aspects can optimise power generation and
hydrodynamics, which can be used as basis for
assessing environmental effects.
• The framework for the analysis of ecological effects
was applied to tidal turbines in the Oosterschelde
storm surge barrier and in the Lorentz sluices at
Kornwerderzand (Afsluitdijk). The latter case involves
an important fish migration route. Expert partners
such as IMARES examined the effects and identified
the issues.
• The framework for the analysis of ecological effects
was also applied to blue energy at Breezanddijk
(Afsluitdijk). Of the issues identified, the effects
on the occurrence of algae blooms and possible
changes in food availability for the numerous mussel
beds were investigated further by applying a primary
production model, which has been improved to
reproduce the effects of salinity changes on algae
more accurately.
39
KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AND STRUCTURAL COOPERATIONThe project significantly contributed to the awareness
that Dutch companies active in delta-technology and
energy-from-water technology have developed an
export product with great worldwide potential. For this
reason the project was carried out in the framework of
the Dutch Top Sector Water. The strong position of these
combined technologies was underlined by site visits of
the Dutch King Willem-Alexander, national Ministers of
Economic Affairs and Infrastructure and the Environment
and numerous regional deputies. The preliminary results
of het project were presented at several national and
international events, for example during the Hannover
Messe 2014, the Cleantech business day, the INES
network sessions and the EU Sustainable Energy Week
–Eusew. Ocean Energy members will be informed about
the Afsluitdijk pilot projects on tidal and salinity gradient
energy during the annual Interreg B conference in
the Netherlands. The project partners also played an
important role in establishing the European Innovation
Partnership Action Group Energy and Water Works. This
action group is supported by Energising deltas partners,
together with partners from abroad, and delivers useful
input for the Horizon 2020 working programme.
VALORISATION OF RESULTSThe project’s results regarding optimising energy
generation, minimising ecological effects and optimal
governance processes and requirements will accelerate
the determination of the feasibility of the concept
and the identifying of any possible hurdles. The next
step will be the application of tools in new and/or
projects in progress. The Dutch home market offers
outstanding chances for demonstrating energy-from-
water technology and delta-technology, as combined
in the Energising deltas concept. Therefore, building
showcases to gain interest and convince decision
makers and investors globally is vital to boost the export
market. The Dutch Water Authority board, the Ministry
of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Infrastructure and
the Environment are challenged to facilitate this and,
together with the Dutch industry, create the conditions
to make it happen.
More detailed information and results of the
project Energising deltas will be available on
www.energisingdeltas.com.
COLOPHON
Energising deltas is a consortium of eight partners working together
to combine sustainable energy generation with water safety and
water management into an innovative export product.
Partners
Deltares REDstack
ECN Strukton / Antea Group
Energy Valley Foundation Tidal Testing Centre
Erasmus University Rotterdam Tocardo Tidal Turbines
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund
(ERDF), Opportunities for West and co-financed by the Province of
Noord-Holland.
June 2015
Copywriting, photography and design: iMAGO
Coordination: Carina Havenga de Poel, Energy Valley Foundation
Front cover photo: “Oosterscheldekering”. Source:
https://beeldbank.rws.nl, Rijkswaterstaat, Joop van Houdt
Page 18 photo: “Flakkeese spuisluis”. Source: Rijkswaterstaat
Page 23 photo: “Gull on dike”. Source: Deltares, Guus Schoonewille
Page 36 photo: “Delta”. Source: Deltares, Ewout Staartjes
www.energisingdeltas.com
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Energising deltas - Worldwide opportunities
