World’s largest energy generating tidal turbine launched

The world’s largest energy generating tidal turbine has been launched in Belfast before being transported to Orkney.

Scotrenewables Tidal Power said the 2MW turbine, will undergo preliminary tow trials in Belfast Lough before being towed to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney to commence a grid connected test programme. 

The project received £1.25m in funding from the Scottish Government.

The company launched a 250kW generator in 2011, which started exporting electricity to the UK electricity grid from EMEC in 2012.

CEO Andrew Scott, said: “We’re now looking forward to getting the machine up to EMEC and start the test programme to demonstrate more of the clear engineering and cost advantages our approach can bring to the commercial tidal sector.”