Tidal power developer Atlantis Resources has generated 1 GWh of electricity to the national grid from its MeyGen sea-bed turbines off Caithness.
Using the four AR1500 tidal steam turbines to generate the energy, the 1GWh provides power for as many as 700,000 homes.
The 6MW MeyGen facility is part of a larger project, with the aim of eventually housing a total capacity of 398MW.
The use of jack-up vessels for the installation of the foundations in the autumn of 2016 also contributes to the cost reduction mission by confirming that these vessels can operate safely in high energy tidal environments.
A jack-up vessel provides a stable platform which allows for deployment of drilled foundation systems, which are less labour and material intensive than their gravity based equivalents as used in Phase 1A.
David Taaffe, MeyGen Project Director, said: “The initial operations phase of MeyGen Phase 1A has been a resounding success, and we hope that our achievements will now catalyse further tidal stream developments throughout Europe and worldwide to capitalise on this unique and untapped resource.
“Turbine production performance has been excellent, and the performance of the AR1500 turbine has been particularly impressive.”
Chief Executive Tim Cornelius, commented: “Yet another milestone has been achieved as we continue to see the vast potential of the world’s largest tidal power array realised.
“It’s extremely rewarding for all those involved to see the fruits of our collective passion and labour continuing to deliver.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Dagley, current Head of Corporate Finance, has been appointed as chief financial officer at Atlantis. The outgoing post-holder Simon Counsell stood down to follow other business interests after leading the finance team’s relocation from Singapore to Edinburgh.
14 Aug 2017
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