Orkney's 'break-through' tidal power prototype makes final voyage
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A PIONEERING tidal energy study in the sea off Orkney has come to a close with the decommissioning of its prototype turbine.
The prototype 2MW SR2000 floating tidal turbine tested by Orbital Marine Power Ltd (Orbital) at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney was towed from the north of Scotland to Northumberland for decommissioning by Thompsons of Prudhoe and Port of Blyth. Heavy lift specialists Mammoet managed the tandem lift of the 516-tonne structure out of the water and onto the Blyth quayside in what was the port’s largest heavy lift to date.
Orbital will reclaim key components and elements of the turbine to carry out engineering inspections, with the remainder of the structure to be dismantled for recycling and disposal.
The final phase of the full-scale demonstration project follows a hugely successful test programme which saw more than 3250 MWh of electricity generated by the SR2000.
As a result, Orbital is currently in the process of manufacturing its 2MW O2 turbine to replace the SR2000 at EMEC early next year. This will incorporate key innovations and lessons from the SR2000 which are expected to enable a 35 per cent improvement in energy yield at EMEC.
Orbital chief executive Andrew Scott said: “The SR2000 was an industry break-through and its success is a testimony to the team who engineered, built and operated it.
"Not only did it validate the conceptual benefits of our floating tidal solution, but it re-set the performance bar for the sector. A truly outstanding platform for us to be building on with our new O2 turbine.”
Alan Todd, Port of Blyth's port director, said: “Completing the largest project lift the port has ever planned and executed highlights the skill and competence of the Port of Blyth’s engineering and operations teams.
"Although we have a wealth of experience in relation to heavy project lifts, the tidal turbine brought its own challenges and required exceptional planning and a well-coordinated operation. The project also highlights both the strength and potential of our new decommissioning partnership with Thompsons of Prudhoe.”
