Tidal power: MeyGen Phase 1A approaches 400MWh of generation

Global tidal power company Atlantis has confirmed that the MeyGen array continues to deliver clean, sustainable and predictable electricity to the National Grid.

Meygen entered operation in November 2016 and was awarded full Ofgem accreditation as a 5 ROC project in February 2017,

In the first three weeks of March, average generation has been sufficient to power the equivalent of 1,250 UK homes and individually the power performance of the turbines has exceeded the contractual output guarantees, putting the project on track to achieve capacity factors significantly in excess of 40%.

The three turbines from Andritz Hydro Hammerfest (AHH), which were installed between November 2016 and January 2017, are now scheduled to undergo onshore inspection to permit AHH to implement system enhancements derived from the lessons learned during the initial period of operations.

The turbines will then be redeployed in the next available tidal window, further validating the rapid retrieval and installation methodology which ensures cost effective operations and maintenance for the subsea assets.

The AR1500 system delivered by Atlantis has an even greater focus on accessibility for maintenance, with a proprietary connection system which allows for installation or retrieval in a single short operation at the turn of the tide.  Following demonstration of the system on installation in February, the AR1500 is now operating autonomously at full output, exceeding all expectations. Click here to read more