Scotrenewables Tidal Power has launched its 2MW SR2000 - described as the world's largest energy generating tidal turbine.
The 550 tonne machine - the first commercial scale machine the company has built - was launched at Harland & Wolff Heavy Industries Ltd in Belfast on 12 May. The turbine will undergo preliminary tow trials in Belfast Lough before being towed to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney to commence a grid connected test programme.
The SR2000 is the culmination of more than 12 years of a detailed and incremental engineering R&D programme, with the project being supported by £1.25m funding under the Scottish Government's WATERS2 initiative. The turbine design follows Scotrenewables' floating generating platform philosophy, which the company expects to deliver a step-change cost and risk reduction to the commercial tidal energy sector.
"This is an exciting time for the Company and a major milestone to reach, and is the result of an enormous effort by a dedicated team at Scotrenewables," said Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Scott. "We've also been fortunate to have been supported by a committed group of suppliers through the build, especially here with Harland and Wolff in Belfast." Talking of the forward programme Andrew added: "We're now looking forward to getting the machine up to EMEC and start the test programme to demonstrate more of the clear engineering and cost advantages our approach can bring to the commercial tidal sector."
In a statement the company said its progress has been underpinned by longstanding support and investment of more than £25 million from main investors: ABB, (Scottish Government's) Renewable Energy Investment Fund, DP Energy, Fred. Olsen Group and Total New Energies.
