EMEC gets onboard Korean tidal test site project

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) has contracted EMEC to help develop its tidal energy test site.

The deal will see EMEC use its experience and knowledge to advance the Korean test site development.

KIOST is developing a grid-connected tidal energy test site development on the Jang-Juk Strait in the southwestern sea of Korea.

Also known as The Korea Tidal Current Energy Centre (K-TEC) site, will have a 4.5 MW grid capacity.

Specifically, EMEC will provide technical support to KIOST.

An EMEC technical report will review operational elements of the test site design.

This will include cable layout, protection, maintenance as well as data acquisition and SCADA systems, electrical infrastructure, and grid connection.

EMEC will also assess the likelihood of any environmental impacts associated with tidal energy projects.

Rob Flynn, commercial manager at the European Marine Energy Centre, said:

“The K-TEC facility is an important development for the tidal sector, and proof of its growing commercial readiness and expansion beyond Europe.

“Enabling marine energy globally is at the core of what we do at EMEC.”

Dr. Jin-Soon Park, director of Coastal Development and Ocean Energy Research Center, at the KIOST, said:

“The convergence of EMEC’s know-how and KIOST’s design technology will make the K-TEC facility a safer and more effective tidal energy converter test site.

“In addition, it is expected that K-TEC will be able to revitalize the tidal energy industry in Korea and in Asia as well.”

The tidal test site shuld launch by 2022.