SeaGen, a subsidiary of Marine Current Turbines, is installing the largest tidal-stream generator off the coast of Northern Ireland for completion by the end of the year. Generating 1.2 Megawatts, enough to power 1000 homes, it will be the largest such generator to date with its twin-turbines and is considered a commercial prototype of larger planned projects.

click to enlarge

SeaGen’s underwater blade turbine widths of 15-20 metres revolve 10-20 times per minute

The SeaGen project is financed by Triodos, EDF Energy, BankInvest, Guernsey Electricity and hedge fund AM2.

Managing Director of MCT Turbines Martin Wright said: “SeaGen’s installation is a very significant milestone for both Marine Current Turbines and the emerging marine energy sector. Following from our previous experience with SeaFlow, our 300kW experimental test system installed in 2003 off the north Devon coast, we are confident that SeaGen will show that tidal energy can be truly competitive with other forms of power generation. Decentralised tidal current energy is fundamentally predictable and sustainable. It is also environmentally benign.”

SeaFlow being installed

Recognising the special marine environment of Strangford Lough, MCT has undertaken a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme. This programme is already active and is managed by Royal Haskoning, a leading environmental consultancy, working in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and the St Andrews University Sea Mammals Research Unit. The programme is overseen by an independent body, chaired by David Erwin, a former Chief executive of the Ulster Wildlife Trust.

Strangford Lough, site for generator

Presently, MCT is preparing to complete a 10MW tidal generator farm within the next 3 years using SeaGen’s technology.