World’s first commercial tidal array delivers power to National Grid

Nova Innovation has deployed a series of three 100kW turbines

Tidal energy company Nova Innovation has deployed the world’s first fully-operational, commercial, grid-connected offshore tidal array in Shetland.

The second in a series of three 100kW turbines was deployed alongside the first turbine in August 2016, making it the first offshore tidal array in the world to deliver electricity to the grid.

The Scottish tidal energy specialist installed the first Nova M-100 turbine in the Bluemull Sound, Shetland in March 2016. The company said the device has been generating to full power across all tidal conditions.

Nova Innovation partnered with Belgian renewable energy leader ELSA to deliver the project and is the first company to secure financial close on a commercial tidal array.

Simon Forrest, managing director of Nova Innovation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the first company in the world to deploy a fully operational tidal array.”

“Deploying the second turbine truly sets us apart and showcases our technology. I would like to thank all our staff, partners and suppliers for helping to make our vision a reality.”

Nova Innovation plans on deploying more turbines in the near future.

The UK Carbon Trust estimates a global tidal energy market of £126 billion could be developed by 2050.