A SCOTTISH renewable energy project has set a “new world record” in what has been hailed as a “major breakthrough” for the tidal stream energy sector.
The MeyGen tidal stream project – which comprises four 1.5MW turbines in the Pentland Firth, off Orkney – has operated continuously for six years without requiring unplanned or disruptive maintenance, according to engineering firm SKF.
The company, which manufactures bearings and seals, partnered with Proteus Marine Renewables to deliver the technology used in the MeyGen project, which is operated by SAE Renewables.
Industry body Ocean Energy Europe said the six-year milestone marked a “new era for the technology being tested by governments around the world”.
“SKF has demonstrated a new standard for long-term, dependable energy in a market expected to contribute up to €20 billion and 15,000 jobs to the UK economy alone by 2050,” the body said.
Tidal stream energy is a type of renewable power generated by underwater turbines that harness the fast-moving currents caused by ocean tides.
Its reliability – moving with predictable tides and not relying on unpredictable wind – means it can help provide baseload power, the minimum level of constant electricity supply that meets demand 24/7, which has typically been supported by fossil fuel generation.
The MeyGen tidal stream project, which is currently 6MW, is said to be the largest planned tidal stream project in the world. Phase two, which is expected in the coming years, will scale the project up to 59MW.
MeyGen’s website states: “The project will be transformational for the tidal energy industry, delivering the world's first commercial scale tidal array and securing MeyGen as the home of tidal energy.”
Thomas Fröst, the president of independent and emerging business at SKF, said: “Tidal stream power offers a significant opportunity for the world to diversify its energy mix whilst reducing its carbon footprint, a key target for governments around the world.
“Abundant resources coupled with the predictability of tidal flows make it a viable and trusted technology which we are proud to be supporting at such a critical time for the world’s future energy strategy.”
Ocean Energy Europe said that “with the cost of tidal stream declining, it’s expected to become cost-competitive with nuclear energy by 2035”.
“Overall, the global tidal energy market, valued at €1.1 billion in 2023, is poised to grow to approximately €6.9 billion over the next seven years.”
“For over a decade, MeyGen has been at the forefront of the tidal energy sector, pioneering the blueprint for utility-scale tidal stream arrays.
“The successful operation and performance of our existing turbines have proven the reliability of this technology and its potential as a predictable source of renewable energy.
“We are excited to collaborate with Proteus Marine Renewables with the support of SKF as we progress from a pilot project to full commercial deployment”, Fraser Johnson, O&M manager for the MeyGen tidal array, said.
