Tocardo International, the leading producer of free-flow turbines, has commenced the manufacture of six free-flow water turbines for installation in Nepal and Japan.
This follows the partnership agreements announced in March to supply 8MW of bi-directional turbine power over a three-year period to Japan and, in June, to supply 2.5MW of uni-directional turbine power to Nepal’s fast-flowing rivers.
Japan and Nepal have been identified by Tocardo as regions where sustainable, low-cost renewable energy is becoming increasingly important, with particular potential for tidal and in-stream technology. As manufacturing of Tocardo’s hydro turbines commences, the opportunity presented by these two markets is starting to be realised.
The Tocardo free-flow in-stream hydro turbines can be compared to ‘underwater wind turbines’: free-standing underwater units, generating energy from sea currents, tidal and river flows. They are easy to install and are low-cost to maintain.
Commenting on production of these turbines, Hans Van Breugel, CEO of Tocardo said: “Starting the production of these turbines is the first stage in realising the partnerships we have set in place in both Japan and Nepal. We are excited to be working on a hydropower solution with our partners to help them deliver the reliable sustainable energy requirements that they need.”
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Press release, September 27, 2012; Image: Tocardo