Floating tidal energy platform 'could be game-changer for coastal communities'

A new floating tidal energy platform could bring “viable clean energy” to small coastal communities, its creators have claimed.

Edinburgh-based Sustainable Marine Energy (SME) is testing its new multi-turbine Plat-1 platform in the water at Connel, near Oban in western Scotland. Using four Schottel turbines with a total rating of 280kW, SME said the easy-deployment system could be a “game-changer” for coastal communities with limited infrastructure around the world.

The structure’s design makes it easy and cheap to transport and install, said SME. The company said local, readily available equipment can perform “all tasks” on the platform, and it can lift the turbines from the water for easy maintenance, also reducing the depth of water required for launching and installation.

The autonomously-controlled unit was installed in just five hours, and generated power within two days. Built in Scotland between July and October with grant funding from the Scottish government, the platform will be taken apart and transported to the Philippines, where it will form part of a commercial demonstration project as a replacement for diesel power in tidal areas.

“This is the fully integrated system the tidal energy market needs,” said Schottel managing director Niels Lange. “We see substantial market opportunities in South East Asia, Canada and elsewhere which we are looking forward to exploring together with SME.”