MeyGen is moving tidal stream energy from demonstration to commercial-scale development after generating 91GWh and operating for more than seven years in some of the world’s strongest tidal conditions.
The project has provided practical experience in installing, operating, maintaining, recovering and redeploying tidal turbines offshore. That experience is now being used to support the next generation of tidal energy projects.
MeyGen’s next stage includes a 59MW project supported by a Contract for Difference. The project is expected to use the next-generation AR3000 tidal turbine.
The scale-up follows more than a decade of development and operational work at the site. The experience gained from operating turbines in demanding tidal conditions provides information on the practical requirements for future commercial projects.
Installation and maintenance are key considerations for tidal energy because turbines operate in challenging marine environments. Being able to recover and redeploy equipment also provides experience that can be applied to larger projects.
The 59MW project represents a move beyond the demonstration phase and towards larger-scale electricity generation. The use of the AR3000 turbine will also provide an opportunity to apply the technology developed through earlier stages of the project.
The development is part of the wider push to establish tidal stream energy as a commercial source of renewable electricity. Larger projects will need to demonstrate reliable generation while managing the costs and operational challenges associated with offshore equipment.
MeyGen’s operating history provides a foundation for this next stage. More than seven years of generation have given the project direct experience of how tidal turbines perform in real operating conditions.
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.
