Orbital Marine Power, which operates in the renewable energy sector, has successfully obtained a permit to build a tidal energy farm at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) located in Orkney, Scotland. This decision, known as the EURO-TIDES project, was made following official reviews regarding engineering, permits, and financing, and the construction of this farm is expected to be completed by 2028.
Details of the EURO-TIDES Project
The EURO-TIDES project includes four Orbital turbines, comprising three next-generation O2-X turbines and one O2 turbine. The O2 turbine has been generating energy for the UK electricity grid since July 2021. This project is recognized as the first instance where Orbital turbines will be used in a coordinated manner as a connected tidal energy farm.
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According to Oliver Wragg, Development Manager at Orbital Marine Power, the European Commission's decision for the EURO-TIDES project demonstrates strong confidence in Orbital's technology and the readiness of tidal energy to enter the next phase of commercial development. Wragg added that with the successful demonstration of the O2 turbine's efficiency, the company is now taking significant next steps to showcase the operational capabilities of the turbines in a coordinated manner.
Implications of the Project for the Tidal Energy Industry
This project could provide clean energy for approximately 9,200 homes and is recognized as a milestone in the European tidal energy industry. The project is being implemented in collaboration with several research and industrial entities, including the Centre for Wind Energy Drives (CWD) at RWTH Aachen University, EMEC, Énergie de la Lune, ENGIE Laborelec, MaraSoft, and the University of Edinburgh.
Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe, stated that this achievement represents that European public investment is turning innovation into industrial reality. He added that tidal energy is ready to contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal and the climate neutrality aspirations of the continent. This project represents a strategic public investment that transforms innovative technologies into industrial capabilities.
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