A proposed tidal energy project in Indonesia that could eventually have a capacity of up to 115MW has taken a major step forward with news that the project’s feasibility study in underway.

A proposed tidal energy project in Indonesia that could eventually have a capacity of up to 115MW has taken a major step forward with news that the project’s feasibility study in underway.

Tidal Bridge BV, a joint venture of Strukton International and DEC, has begun the feasibility study for the Palmerah Tidal Bridge project in East Flores, Indonesia – with the first scope of the project plan involving a an 800m bridge at Larantuka Strait, East Flores, and a tidal energy power plant with an installed capacity of 18MW to 23MW. A second phase of the project could see the power plant extended to an installed capacity of 90-115 MW.

The start of the feasibility study follows the signing of a Head of Agreement in April 2016 by Tidal Bridge and the government of Indonesia. The project is the first to be developed under a Dutch-Indonesian strategic co-operation agreement covering the hydropower sector.

he Larantuka Straight, between Flores and Adonara, is one of a number of sites being considered by the Indonesian government for tidal energy development. The country’s strong tides and island archipelagos make it an ideal location for development of the technology.

The first phase of the Palmerah Tidal Bridge project will cost $550 million to develop and could be on line by 2019.

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