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The O2 floating turbine – developed by Scottish engineering firm Orbital Marine Power – commenced power generation at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, off the north coast of the Scottish mainland. The innovative device is anchored in the Fall of Warness, where a subsea cable connects the 2MW offshore unit to the local onshore electricity network.
Manufactured and launched in Dundee earlier in the year before being towed up to Orkney, the O2 is Orbital’s first commercial turbine, following more than 15 years of product development.
The 74m-long turbine is expected to operate for 15 years, with capacity to meet the annual electricity demand of around 2,000 homes with clean, predictable power from the fast-flowing waters of the tidal stream.
Electricity from the device will also power an onshore electrolyser to generate ‘green’ hydrogen, demonstrating its capabilities to enable wider decarbonisation.
Orbital CEO Andrew Scott said: “Our vision is that this project is the trigger to the harnessing of tidal stream resources around the world, to play a role in tackling climate change whilst creating a new, low-carbon industrial sector.”
The floating turbine is designed to overcome challenges to tidal energy generation. Promising installation sites are, by their very nature, in very fast flowing water. In depths of 30-40m, the water speed might be 16km/h, with only a few minutes of slack per day. The water’s high density, which means higher potential power relative to air, is a challenge.
Appealing sites, frequently found around craggy headlands or in rocky areas around remote islands, are often very difficult to reach. This can make maintenance of fixed turbines difficult and very expensive.
The O2, on the other hand, is designed for relatively simple and cost-effective installation. It will also be accessible for maintenance throughout its use, Scott previously told Professional Engineering.
Orbital is now targeting commercialisation of its technology through deployment of multi-megawatt arrays. Installation in British waters could bring substantial benefits beyond aiding the clean energy transition, the company said – about 80% of the turbine was delivered by UK suppliers, and operation will bring long-term employment to coastal communities. Costs are expected to fall as the technology is commercialised, as previously demonstrated with wind and solar energy.
Construction was enabled by public lenders through ‘ethical investment platform’ Abundance Investment, as well as support from the Scottish government.
Net zero and energy cabinet secretary Michael Matheson of the Scottish government said: “With our abundant natural resources, expertise and ambition, Scotland is ideally placed to harness the enormous global market for marine energy, whilst helping deliver a net zero economy. That’s why the Scottish government has consistently supported the marine energy sector for over 10 years, including through the Saltire Tidal Energy Challenge fund, which provided £3.4m for this project.
“The deployment of Orbital Marine Power’s O2, the world’s most powerful tidal turbine, is a proud moment for Scotland and a significant milestone in our journey to net zero.”
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.