Scotland’s MeyGen project is showing that tidal power can operate reliably over long periods, while giving the sector a practical route towards larger-scale development.
Located in the Pentland Firth between the Scottish mainland and the island of Stroma, MeyGen’s first phase uses four underwater turbines with a combined capacity of six megawatts. The turbines generate electricity from fast-moving tidal currents.
The main advantage of tidal power is predictability. Tidal cycles can be forecast years in advance, giving operators a much clearer view of when electricity will be generated. Wind and solar power depend more heavily on changing weather conditions, so tidal generation can provide a useful complement within a broader renewable energy system.
MeyGen has also produced evidence on one of the most important issues facing marine energy: maintenance.
One of the project’s turbines operated underwater for more than six years without requiring disruptive maintenance. That matters because offshore servicing can be expensive and operationally complex. Equipment may need to be recovered, specialist vessels can be required and work must be carried out within suitable marine conditions.
Longer periods between maintenance interventions could therefore improve the economics of tidal projects. Higher availability and fewer major servicing requirements would also make future developments easier to plan and operate.
The project remains small compared with the scale being considered for future phases, but that is part of its importance. MeyGen is providing operating data and technical experience that can be used to assess whether tidal power can move from demonstration projects towards larger commercial developments.
Ampeak Energy Limited (LON:AMP) a developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy projects. Transitioning to become a major Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a project development arm specialising in Battery Storage and Tidal Stream generation.
