Instream Tidal Energy Research (InTER) Project

The aim of the Instream Tidal Energy Research (InTER) project is to design, build and test a 100 kW tidal energy

device featuring two vertical axis turbines on a floating research platform. The project will develop a new

platform technology that will enable Instream Energy Systems (Instream) to make the step from inland

hydrokinetics and access tidal resources in the UK. Deployment and system testing of the prototype will take

place in an appropriate marine environment with a simulated grid interface. Instream's technology aims to

overcome many of the existing challenges in the tidal sector including high installation costs and access to

shallow water resources to achieve lower-risk, cost-effective commercial projects. The InTER project builds on

Instream and IT Power’s (ITP) recent platform concept design work and Instream’s existing rotor design. The

resulting 'Turbine Deployment Unit' (TDU) will support 2 rotors. The key phases of the project will include,

numerical and physical modelling, design, fabrication, assembly, deployment, commissioning, demonstration,

and recovery. The consortium assembled has the expertise necessary to internally carry out the project phases.