Tidal energy array in Scotland cleared for construction start

The European Commission has given its approval to UK renewable energy company Orbital Marine Power for a tidal energy array to be deployed at the...

2 minutes read LinkedIn X Email Orbital Marine Power The European Commission has given its approval to UK renewable energy company Orbital Marine Power for a tidal energy array to be deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland.

The Go Decision comes as the EURO-TIDES project has passed a formal review of its engineering, permits and financing, allowing it to move into construction, with deployment anticipated in 2028, subject to completion of Orbital's current investment round.

To remind, the European Commission selected Orbital in October 2023 to lead delivery of the array under Horizon Europe funding.

The tidal energy array will comprise four Orbital turbines - three next-generation O2-X and one O2, which has been generating power for the UK grid since July 2021 - built and connected to operate as a single coordinated tidal energy farm.

According to the UK firm, the project will be the first time Orbital turbines have been deployed and operated together as a connected array.

“ The European Commission’s Go Decision for EURO-TIDES is a powerful vote of confidence in both Orbital’s technology and tidal energy’s readiness to move into its next phase of commercial development.

Having successfully proven the O2, we are now taking the next major step, demonstrating that our turbines can operate together as a connected array at commercial scale," said Oliver Wragg , Development Director of Orbital Marine Power.

2 minutes read LinkedIn X Email Orbital Marine Power The European Commission has given its approval to UK renewable energy company Orbital Marine Power for a tidal energy array to be deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland.

The Go Decision comes as the EURO-TIDES project has passed a formal review of its engineering, permits and financing, allowing it to move into construction, with deployment anticipated in 2028, subject to completion of Orbital's current investment round.

To remind, the European Commission selected Orbital in October 2023 to lead delivery of the array under Horizon Europe funding.

The tidal energy array will comprise four Orbital turbines - three next-generation O2-X and one O2, which has been generating power for the UK grid since July 2021 - built and connected to operate as a single coordinated tidal energy farm.