The contract includes the subsea generator and the shore based systems including a power converter, transformers and switchgear.
After an initial test period, Hammerfest Strøm will work with Scottish Power Renewables to install a 10MW array at Islay in 2013 utilising the HS1000 generic design chosen by Scottish Power Renewables as their preferred device. This project will be situated in deep waters (greater than 48m) just south of Port Askaig in the Sound of Islay, between the islands of Islay and Jura off Scotland’s west coast.
“In 2004, at Kvalsund in northern Norway, our HS300 tidal turbine (the prototype device to the HS1000) became the first large scale tidal device to be successfully connected to the grid. Our criteria is to utilise proven technology albeit in an innovative way whilst at the same time applying conservative safety margins in all aspects of our design: in selecting component and system suppliers we have sought out companies with relevant expertise and a proven track record who have demonstrated their responsiveness to our demanding selection criteria. Converteam clearly fulfils those criteria,” said Hammerfest Strom’s Managing Director Stein Atle Andersen.
