Nova and MeyGen move tidal energy forward in Scotland

Two tidal energy projects in Scotland have been moving forward – both making the leap from single generator devices to the deployment of several.

First, Scotland-based Nova Innovation says it has deployed the world’s first fully-operational, commercial, grid-connected offshore tidal array in Shetland. The second in a series of three 100 kW turbines was deployed alongside the first turbine in August 2016, making this the first offshore tidal array – more than one turbine – in the world to deliver electricity to the grid.

The company installed the first Nova M100 turbine in the Bluemull Sound, Shetland in March, since when the device has been generating up to full power and across all tidal conditions.

Nova has been working in partnership with Belgian renewable energy company ELSA to deliver a project of 100% EU content and over 80% Scottish supply chain content, says the company.

Meanwhile, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled what could become world’s largest ‘free stream’ tidal power project. Tidal power company Atlantis launched the MeyGen Project at the Nigg Energy Park, also in Scotland.

The four 1.5 MW turbines that make up Phase 1A (three built by Andritz and one AR1500 Atlantis turbine) weigh almost 200 tonnes each and have now been fully assembled. They will be positioned on the quayside at Nigg ready for deployment to the MeyGen site in the Pentland Firth.

Atlantis says it remains on track to deliver first power to the grid from MeyGen Phase 1A later this year. When completed, the MeyGen project will comprise 269 turbines and generate enough energy to power 175,000 UK homes.