The MeyGen tidal energy project, developed by SIMEC Atlantis Energy, has reached a significant milestone by achieving full operational capacity of 6 MW with the installation of its fourth turbine. Based in Edinburgh, SAE, the company behind the project, confirmed that all four turbines are now fully operational, marking the first time the tidal stream site has delivered maximum power.
Since its launch in 2016, the MeyGen project has seen continuous improvements aimed at boosting system efficiency and reducing costs. The recent deployment of the fourth turbine was done in partnership with Proteus Marine Renewables (PMR), and SAE revealed that discussions are ongoing with PMR about turbine supply for the next phase of the project. PMR, in collaboration with SKF Marine and GE Vernova, is working on a 3 MW turbine for the planned expansion of MeyGen to 59 MW.
The turbine was transported from the MeyGen operations base at Nigg Energy Park on the Maersk Involver, with MWaves acting as Marine Warranty Surveyors. The deployment was completed smoothly and without incident.
Graham Reid, CEO of SAE, expressed his satisfaction with the success of phase one, highlighting its role in proving the technology and enabling innovations that could scale the project commercially. He also acknowledged the support of their partners and shareholders in reaching this milestone, calling it a proud moment for all involved in this important renewable energy venture.
The MeyGen site, which has been operational since 2017, is home to SIMEC Atlantis’ longest-deployed turbine, which has been running continuously since December 2018 with an impressive average availability of 95%. The turbines are situated 20 metres below the cold waters off Scotland’s North Coast, where the flow of water between the North Sea and North Atlantic is funneled between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Isles.
In October, SIMEC Atlantis announced plans for subsea work at the MeyGen Tidal Array, aiming to install a tidal turbine and retrieve monitoring equipment. Earlier in the year, the company redeployed a turbine that underwent significant upgrades to enhance its performance and reliability, ensuring that the next phase of turbines deployed at the site will be among the most advanced in the industry.
The MeyGen project continues to demonstrate progress in tidal energy technology, setting the stage for future developments in this promising sector.
SAE Renewables Limited (LON:SAE) was founded in 2005 as a supplier of tidal stream turbines, SAE quickly grew to include development of tidal stream projects and is the majority owner of MeyGen, the world’s largest tidal stream energy project.
