After the successful test of its 500kW device, it is the second Alstom tidal turbine generating power to the grid.
500kW and 1 MW variants of the tidal stream turbine have already been subject to extensive testing, with the latter currently in situ Scotland, as part of the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) commissioned and co-funded ReDAPT (Reliable Data Acquisition Platform for Tidal) consortium project). Detailed testing and analysis in different operational conditions off Orkney will continue throughout 2013 over an 18 month period. The next step is to install pilot arrays prior to full commercial production.
“The first generation from the 1MW turbine is a major milestone as we move forwards in commercialising the technology and continuing to learn about the marine environment in preparation for commercial tenders in France and the UK," said Rob Stevenson the Vice-President of Alstom Ocean.
Alstom's tidal turbine consists of a three-bladed, pitch-controlled rotor, with a diameter measuring 18m; a standard drivetrain and power electronics inside the nacelle. The 22m long nacelle is installed onto a separate seabed-mounted foundation and weighs less than 150 tonnes.
Image: Alstom Tidal turbine installation at EMEC
