Alstom Tidal Generation Turbine (Deepgen / Oceade)
EMEC, Fall of Warness, Eday, Orkney, Scotland · 2013–2014 (TGL acquired by Alstom 2013, 1MW turbine installed Jan 2013, Oceade 1.4MW in 2014, some projects cancelled 2014) [1] [2] [3] · £4.34 million (for 1MW turbine) [4]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchAlstom's acquisition of Tidal Generation Limited aimed to advance its tidal energy solutions. The turbines were part of the UK's ReDAPT (Reliable Data Acquisition Program Tidal) project. The cancellation of some projects due to cost highlighted the economic hurdles in commercializing tidal stream technology. [3] [5]
Key engineering challenges
Designing and deploying robust tidal turbines in challenging marine environments. [1] - Achieving cost-effectiveness for tidal energy generation, as some projects were cancelled due to cost concerns. [3] - Integrating the turbine with the grid and ensuring reliable power output. [2]
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Alstom (acquired Tidal Generation Limited from Rolls-Royce) [2]
- Lead contractor
- Alstom
- Lead designers
- Alstom (formerly Tidal Generation Limited)
- Project type
- new build (technology development and deployment)
- Scale
- 500 kW (Deepgen), 1 MW (initial turbine), 1.4 MW (Oceade) [1] [3]
- Disciplines
- marine; mechanical; electrical; hydrodynamics; project management
- Standards & frameworks
- Marine energy standards.
Sources: EMEC: Alstom (formerly TGL) (https://www.emec.org.uk/about-us/our-tidal-clients/alstom/) [1] - Alstom: Alstom completes the acquisition of Tidal Generation Limited (TGL) from Rolls-Royce plc (https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2013/1/alstom-completes-the-acquisition-of-tidal-generation-limited-tgl-from-rolls-royce-plc) [2] - Renewable Energy World: Alstom producing power from tidal energy turbine (https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/hydro-power/tidal-wave-energy/pg001-4/) [3] - Oxford University Research Archive: Cost modelling and design optimisation of tidal stream turbines (https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6a2a6164-d7ce-4a09-be7e-cd12e312a844/files/r2801pj42m) [4] - Marine Technology News: GL RC Certifies Alstom Tidal Turbine Prototype (https://www.marinetechnologynews.com/news/certifies-alstom-tidal-turbine-476908) [5]