The ATIR tidal energy converter (TEC) was recently installed at EMEC’s Fall of Warness tidal energy test site in Orkney, Scotland, by Orkney-based Leask Marine, as part of the Ocean_2G project.
Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Scottish Government, said, “The marine energy industry has taken momentous steps forward in recent years and it’s great to see this project add to a number of recent success stories where Scotland has been at the forefront of global research and development and tests and demonstrations.”
The project is funded by the Fast Track to Innovation pilot scheme, part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.
The ATIR was successfully connected to the grid via EMEC’s subsea cables and onshore substation on March 2, and generated its first power a short time after. The first generation of power is a major milestone within the Ocean_2G project, which aims to test, validate and pre-certify Magallanes’ device.
Alejandro Marques de Magallanes, CEO, Magallanes Renovables, commented, “We are delighted that the ATIR has been connected to the UK grid and is now producing electricity. This is a very exciting period in the project, and in the last two weeks we have proven the viability of our floating tidal platform concept. Not only is the ATIR surviving the strong tidal currents at Fall of Warness but it has generated power from them.”
The device will now undergo a structured program of testing, which will demonstrate the operational performance of the ATIR, in preparation for readying it to market.
Led by SAGRES – Magallanes Renovables’ parent company – the Ocean_2G project consortium brings together EMEC, Leask Marine, and electrical specialists IM FutuRe.
“The marine operations to connect the ATIR at the weekend went smoothly and is a great achievement for our dedicated and professional team here at Leask Marine, and after years of close working with the Ocean_2G partners its fantastic to see the tidal platform in Orkney and proving its design concept,” concluded Douglas Leask, Managing Director of Leask Marine.
