Another successful tidal deployment

Spanish tidal turbine company Magallanes has successfully deployed its floating turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), supported by the EU-funded Marinet project. The 1:10 scale ‘ATIR’ prototype was installed on EMEC’s Shapinsay Sound test site.

Magallanes Project testing their 1:10 scale model at EMEC

Magallanes has been developing their concept since 2007, already having trialled previous prototypes in test tank and river conditions. The Magallanes Project decided to test their 1:10 scale model at EMEC as a first step towards testing in the next year of a full-scale prototype – 42 meters in length and 350 tonnes in weight – currently in construction.

Marinet (the Marine Renewables Infrastructure Network), was formed to accelerate the development of marine renewable energy by bringing together world-class testing facilities to offer EU-funded testing. The aim of Marinet is to progress research and development at all scales – from small models and laboratory tests through to prototype scales and open sea trials. EMEC is a partner in the initiative which has brought together 28 partners spanning 12 countries and offers access to 42 marine testing facilities covering all scales.

By Jake Frith