coastal protection

icon Coastal Protection

 

 

Coastal Erosion Eliminator is an early stage spin-out from 4NRg. It holds a patent for a unique device that combines both a near shore wave and tidal energy generator, with a method for protecting exposed coasts from erosion. This creates a method of defending valuable shoreline (The Foresight Future Flooding Report estimated the value of assets at risk from flooding at around £200bn) which can fund itself through the renewable energy it generates.

The CEE device is a wave energy device for producing clean electricity. In addition, it has been designed to protect the coast from erosion. It takes an old technology (the Savonius rotor) and deploys it in a novel and efficient way. Relatively small devices of 6-10m in width will be strung together in arrays, 50-100m offshore, and will take energy from both waves and tidal movements. These arrays are deployed below the high water mark to minimise their visual impact. The coastal protection element works because the reduced speed of water will cause shoreline accretion of sediment which will in turn create stable bays (as seen at Sea Palling in Norfolk).

The angle of the device, in conjunction with the shallowing morphology refracts the wave energy. The typical angle is expected to be 45⁰ to shore, but possibly as low as 22.5⁰. The angle of the arrays would be adjustable even after deployment.

A site has been found for a full scale trial at Easton Bavents in Suffolk and the permission of the landowner secured. Data will be gathered from the deployment to use in presentations to potential customers, government and other stakeholders. In parallel with this work, additional funds will be used to develop licensing agreements with potential partners in markets beyond northern Europe.