VIDEO: Tidal turbine produces first power off Shetland

The energy produced from the first tidal turbine from the Shetland Tidal Array project has been exported to the grid.

The first Nova M100 turbine of the array delivered power to the Shetland grid following a winter of operations and testing, Nova Innovation informed.

The Shetland Tidal Array is a joint enterprise between Scottish Nova Innovation and Belgian ELSA.

Phase 1 of the array consists of three 100 kW Nova M100 turbines, with more turbines planned in following phases.

Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s Energy Minister, welcomed the announcement saying: “I would like to congratulate Nova Innovation for installing the first Nova M100 tidal turbine successfully and producing grid connected power. This is a result of a lot of hard work and support from all involved including the Scottish Government’s enterprise agency, Scottish Enterprise and the Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIF).”

Olivier Bontems, Managing Director of ELSA, said: “Our involvement in the project is driven by two key factors: confidence in the Scottish tidal industry and the generation of clean energy to enable economic growth. It is important for the future of Europe to develop strong partnerships able to successfully generate green power, using the skills and resources that exist across Europe.”

With the help of Scottish Enterprise, Nova Innovation has delivered a project with over 80% Scottish supply chain content, and over 25% of the spend in Shetland alone, Nova Innovation’s press release reads.

Simon Forrest, Managing Director of Nova Innovation, added: “I would especially like to thank Scottish Enterprise and ELSA for their support and advice which has enabled us to build such a strong, pan-European project rooted in Scotland. Tidal energy has the potential to provide nearly 8% of European electricity demand. This milestone is an important step towards achieving this goal.”

Take a look at the video showing the deployment of the first 100 kW M100 turbine, designed and built by Nova Innovation, in the Shetland Tidal Array.