DTP, invented in 1997 by Dutch engineers Kees Hulsbergen and Rob Steijn, involves construction of a 30-60km-long T-shaped dam, fitted with a large number of conventional low-head turbines, which juts out into the ocean.

By blocking the tidal currents that run up and down the shoreline, the flow can be used to power the barrage’s generators.

The Netherlands government is underwriting a €1.2m