Tidal array awarded

The UK’s 398MW MeyGen tidal power project has been awarded the first ever ‘Navigator Award’ at Canada’s International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE), in recognition of the project’s significant contribution to global marine renewable industry.

The project will include up to 269 turbines submerged on the seabed, generating enough energy for 175,000 homes

Dan Pearson, CEO of MeyGen was delighted to receive the award. He said: “At MeyGen, we are both thrilled and challenged to accept the ICOE 2014 Navigator award and recognition. We know that the eyes of the world are on our project, but we know we are solving lots of problems for the first time!”

The International Conference on Ocean Energy is held in even years and is the world developer conference for the wave and tidal industry. With 120 exhibitors in a tradeshow and more than 650 delegates from 25 countries, it is a benchmark event for this emerging industry.

Chris Campbell, chair of ICOE’s international organisers, remarked “MeyGen is the first project to secure leasing, environmental permitting, technology supply, power purchase and financial close agreements. The project has momentum and has potential to grow into an industrial-scale power plant.”

“Scotland, France, Ireland and Nova Scotia are the places to watch for these prototype tidal power projects” said Elisa Obermann of Marine Renewables Canada, the national organisation hosting the fifth ICOE, for the first time outside Europe.

By Jake Frith