First MeyGen turbine goes full throttle

Atlantis Resources has informed that the first turbine installed as part of the MeyGen project Phase 1A is now operating at full speed.

Atlantis deemed the operation at full power as ‘significant’ because it allows for validation of the power curve models which underpin the financial assumptions of the project, which represents another significant de-risking event for the industry.

Each MeyGen turbine is capable of generating 1.5MW of power at water speeds just over 3.0 m/s, or around six knots of flow, according to Atlantis.

David Taaffe, MeyGen Project Director, said: “It is extremely satisfying to see all of the meticulous planning and preparation come to life and be validated in the field. Andritz has done a wonderful job in commissioning this system, drawing on many years of operational experience. This will be one of many milestones to come as we now build on this successful start and continue to roll out the world’s largest tidal power array.”

The first Andritz Hydro Hammerfest turbine started producing power on November 15, after it was installed at the project site in the Pentland Firth, Scotland, a week earlier.

The turbine is the first of four tidal stream turbines to become operational at the site for the first 6MW phase of a total build out of almost 400MW planned for MeyGen project.