SIMEC Atlantis Energy, one of the leading companies in the development of renewable energy projects, has announced the start of its subsea operations at the MeyGen tidal power project . The activities, which will take place in the Pentland Firth, Scotland, are scheduled for the end of October 2024 and include the installation of a new tidal turbine and the recovery of a scientific monitoring platform.
This project is part of SIMEC Atlantis Energy’s ambitious plan to continue advancing the use of tidal currents as a renewable energy source . A turbine and several four-ton rock bags, necessary for the stability of the equipment underwater, are expected to be placed between October 23 and 26. In addition, monitoring devices previously deployed at the site, located in the Inner Sound, will be recovered.
Renovation and progress in the MeyGen tidal power project
MeyGen has been in operation since 2017, making it one of the most successful projects in the field of tidal energy . The turbine installed by SIMEC Atlantis in December 2018 has achieved an impressive availability of 95% , operating continuously under the cold waters of northern Scotland . This performance demonstrates the robustness and reliability of the technology used in the project, which remains pioneering in its field.
In July 2023, the company completed the renovation of another turbine at the site , implementing significant improvements that allow for optimizing the performance and durability of the equipment. These upgrades have been key to ensuring that the next turbines to be installed at MeyGen are more efficient and robust, reinforcing the company’s commitment to technological innovation in clean energy.
British government pushes for clean energy expansion
The MeyGen project is backed by industry and supported by the UK government. In September 2024, the project secured an additional 9 MW of capacity in the sixth round of contracts for difference (CfD) auction , as part of a broader effort to expand renewable energy production in the country.
With these advances, SIMEC Atlantis Energy strengthens its position as one of the key players in the energy transition towards clean and sustainable sources. The MeyGen project will continue to play a fundamental role in the UK’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and use natural resources responsibly.
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Source and photo: SAE Renewables