Hydro Group gets on-board MeyGen

Hydro Group has secured a contract with Atlantis Resources to supply connection systems for the MeyGen tidal array project.

Atlantis Resources, the developer behind MeyGen tidal project, has selected Hydro Group to supply the complete export connection system for one of the tidal turbines.

The agreement involves Hydro Group providing a single housing for a hybrid with a power output of 6.5 kV, incorporating the power and communication connection system, mechanical loading system, and fibre optic and instrumentation lines.

Doug Whyte (pictured), Managing Director at Hydro Group, said: “The project should further enhance industry confidence in tidal energy, helping unlock its potential as a serious contributor to future energy systems. Our system is designed for 25 years’ service life with an in-built corrosion protection system meaning minimal maintenance is required and operational costs are reduced in the long term, a focus that is of high importance in the current climate.”

Situated in the Pentland Firth, the MeyGen tidal array will consist of 269 submerged tidal turbines, with 398 MW capacity, enough to power 175.000 Scottish homes.

In Phase 1A of the project, four submerged turbines generating 6 MW will be installed off Caithness, with the first power expected to be delivered in 2016.

Hydro Group is an Aberdeen-based company that specialises in the design and manufacture of subsea and harsh environment electrical and optical connectors, penetrators, cable assemblies and terminations for the oil and gas, renewable energy and defence industry.

Image: Hydro Group