Atlantis Resources has reinstalled the fourth tidal turbine in the Pentland Firth off Scotland, wrapping up the Phase 1A of the MeyGen project.
The Atlantis-supplied 1.5MW AR1500 has been reinstalled over the weekend and has started its commissioning procedures, the Edinburgh-based tidal energy developer Atlantis said.
The offshore works were conducted by the Atlantis’ offshore operations team using the Olympic Challenger.
With the reinstallation of the fourth and final turbine, MeyGen Phase 1A will now be capable of operating at its full 6MW capacity generating full Renewables Obligation Certificate (ROC) and power revenues, according to Atlantis.
Atlantis also informed that the total MeyGen production has surpassed 2.6GWh, with over 800MWh of energy dispatched to grid during the month of September.
Tim Cornelius , CEO of Atlantis Resources, said: “We have asked the government to enter into a bilateral negotiation for 80MW of capacity to allow us to proceed with the construction of Phase 1C of the MeyGen project without further delay. Tidal stream power costs are reducing all the time with a strong trajectory towards achieving parity with established renewables such as offshore wind.
“The industrial opportunities of tidal power for the UK are substantial, but without renewed government support for tidal stream power, the UK is likely to lose jobs and investment overseas. Now is the time for the current government to act to ensure that the economic benefits of the tidal stream industry are preserved for the UK economy, and marine power becomes a meaningful part of the UK’s future renewable energy mix.”
Frank Armijo , Vice President of Lockheed Martin Energy, the company which supported the manufacturing and engineering of the AR1500 turbine, added:
“We are proud of the AR1500’s performance so far, and encouraged by its potential to accelerate the growth of tidal energy. The MeyGen project is on track to provide clean, sustainable, predictable power for at least 175,000 homes in Scotland, support local jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and deliver significant, long-term supply chain benefits for the UK economy.”
All four Phase 1A turbines have been successfully reconnected to the grid. Following final completion testing, MeyGen Phase 1A is expected to formally conclude its construction phase and enter into its 25-year operational phase within the coming weeks.