First Tidal Energy Device Structure to be Installed in Cape Cod Canal

The first of its kind in the US, the Bourne Tidal Test Structure was delivered to New Bedford on November 3, to be placed on a barge that will head to the Cape Cod Canal on Monday Nov. 6. The barge, owned by AGM Marine, Inc. will depart New Bedford at day break Monday.

According to officials with the installation company, AGM Marine (Mashpee and New Beford), they will drive three piles in the first three days and assemble the structure on top of the piles, likely by the end of next week. The work will take place in the water off the Railroad Bridge and the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Cape Cod Canal Field Office.

The structure was built at MassTank (Middleboro). They are experienced at manufacturing steel tanks and large structures for all sorts of applications including marine and heavy industrial uses.

MRECo is a nonprofit organization that educates and involves all stakeholders (academic, industry, governmental/regulatory and public interest groups) to provide the sustainable development of renewable energy in New England waters.

The BTTS is part of the New England Marine Energy Development System (NEMEDS) which is a network of testing facilities located in a 100 mile radius. These test facilities will help device designers obtain valuable information that will enable them to scale up and commercialize more efficiently.