MeyGen tidal stream project reaches full power with 6 MW capacity

The MeyGen tidal energy project, developed by SIMEC Atlantis Energy, has achieved a full operational capacity of 6 MW with the deployment of its fourth turbine. 

Edinburgh-based sustainable energy projects company SAE, which stands behind the project, confirmed that all four turbines are fully operational, marking the first time the tidal stream site delivered maximum power.

Since its initial deployment in 2016, the MeyGen project has undergone continuous upgrades to enhance system efficiency and reduce costs, according to SAE. 

The latest turbine deployment was executed in collaboration with Proteus Marine Renewables (PMR). SAE revealed that discussions are underway with PMR regarding turbine supply for the next phase of MeyGen. PMR, in partnership with SKF Marine and GE Vernova, is developing a 3 MW turbine for the site’s planned expansion to 59 MW.

The turbine was transported from the MeyGen operations base at Nigg Energy Park aboard the Maersk Involver. MWaves, acting as Marine Warranty Surveyors, supported the deployment operation, which was completed without incident.

“Phase 1 of the MeyGen project was delivered to prove the technology and allow innovation to unlock the technology at commercial scale,” said Graham Reid, CEO of SAE.

“From this perspective, phase 1 has been a huge success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our project partners and, of course, our shareholders. This is a proud moment for everyone involved in the sector and those pioneering this vital, predictable renewable energy source.”

The MeyGen site has been operational since 2017, and features SIMEC Atlantis’ longest-deployed turbine in continual operation since December 2018, with an average availability of 95%. 

The turbines are located 20 meters below the frigid waters off the North Coast of Scotland, where the exchange of water between the North Sea and the North Atlantic is squeezed between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Isles.

In early October, SIMEC Atlantis Energy unveiled that it had scheduled subsea works at the MeyGen Tidal Array in Scotland’s Pentland Firth for late October, aiming to install a tidal turbine and recover monitoring equipment.

In July 2023, SIMEC Atlantis Energy redeployed the tidal energy turbine for the MeyGen project, which underwent significant upgrades to improve performance and reliability. The innovation was said to be a key development in ensuring the next phase of turbines deployed at the MeyGen site are the most advanced and deliver the best performance in the industry, the company said.

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