Turning Tide for Tidal Connections

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02 September 2016 | Updated 01 January 1970

Nova Innovation has deployed the world’s first fully-operational, commercial, grid-connected offshore tidal array in Shetland.

The second in a series of three 100 kW turbines was deployed this month alongside the first turbine and then linked-up to deliver electricity to the grid. Observers are confident this heralds a new era for tidal energy as a long-term source of predictable renewable power (unlike other forms of renewable energy as the folk from Nova are oft-want to say in a nah, nah, na, nah nah kind of way).?

The Scottish tidal energy specialist installed the first Nova M100 turbine in the Bluemull Sound, Shetland in March 2016. The device has been generating up to full power and across all tidal conditions, it is claimed.?

Nova was the first UK firm to secure financial close on a commercial tidal array. Its business strategy in developing its commercial scale devices has enabled it to sell and deliver projects quickly and therefore relatively cost-effectively.

Belgian renewable energy company ELSA has partnered with Nova on the Shetland Tidal Array. The project has 100% EU content and has been delivered with over 80% Scottish supply chain content.

Picture: The UK Carbon Trust estimates a global tidal energy market of £126 billion could be developed by 2050

Article written by Cathryn Ellis | Published 02 September 2016

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