Scotrenewables’ SR2000 tidal turbine is undergoing final commissioning checks prior to installation at the European Marine Energy Centre off the coast of Orkney.
The 2MW floating device will be connected to its moorings at Scotrenewables’ grid-connected Fall of Warness berth at EMEC in the coming days.
Scotland’s business, innovation and energy minister Paul Wheelhouse hailed the hardware as a potential “gamechanger” during his visit to Scotrenewables’ Hatston pier facility in Kirkwall.
“Scotland’s capacity to generate tidal power is considerable and this device has the potential to be a real gamechanger for the industry, not only here in Scotland, but across the world,” he added.
“Floating technology like this is likely to be easy and cheap to install, maintain and decommission and this increase the commercial viability of tidal energy, which is crucial as we continue to transition towards a low carbon economy.”
Scotrenewables chief executive Andrew Scott said: “The Scottish government has been consistent in its vision and support for the marine renewables sector and that has been vital in getting a second generation technology like ours to this stage.”
Image: Scottish energy minister Paul Wheelhouse (Scotrenewables)
