MeyGen signs deal to combine wind and tidal power output

Agreement will allow Lochend windfarm to deliver electricity to the grid whenever the MeyGen project is not making full use of the available export capacity

Marine power firm Atlantis has agreed to share the grid connection for its MeyGen projects with Wind Harvest’s 9.2MW Lochend windfarm in Caithness.

Lochend Wind Energy is developing a four turbine windfarm close to MeyGen’s onshore site, the agreement will enable these wind turbines to deliver electricity to the grid whenever the MeyGen tidal project is not making full use of the available export capacity.

The first phase of the MeyGen project has been connected to the 33kV Ness of Quoys distribution network and is on track to deliver first power in the second half of 2016.

The part of the network to which MeyGen is connected is constrained – there is no additional capacity for other generators until wider transmission upgrade works are completed over the next few years. However, as a result of the predictable and cyclical nature of tidal generation, there is an opportunity for other energy projects to gain access to the grid at those times when the MeyGen project is not generating at maximum output.

Tim Cornelius, chief executive Atlantis, said: "We believe this to be a world first, and to show that the predictability of generation from the tides can also benefit other forms of renewable energy by allowing those generators to accurately forecast and access spare grid capacity. Tidal power makes for more efficient grid use and management, and we are delighted to have been able to assist a local wind farm in getting connected.

 “Sharing transmission assets in this way and capitalising on the predictability of tidal power will ensure that, in the long term, our energy needs are better served whilst also maximising access to a constrained network in the immediate future,” he added.