An Underwater Turbine

                   New Underwater Turbine Developments in Scotland   

In my page from 2018 entitled Tidal Power in Scotland I outlined the major progress that had been made in the development of the new underwater turbine technology. My previous page from 2018 explained what was to happen with the testing of this turbine and for the past six years it has been generating power from ocean tides at a depth of 40 meters. It thus confirms the viability of this new underwater turbine technology. In that it proves that the turbines can be be kept in place for long periods of time and not have to be extracted from the ocean in a long, expensive and awkward process. Of particular importance is the fact that the bearings and seals on a turbine had gone over six years without needing replaced. Though in its early years of development researchers confirm the immense potential of tidal energy generation n the future. In addition being under the sea and out of sight the tidal turbines will be the ultimate clean and popular energy source in the future. As well as tides energy can also be generated from currents, waves and temperature changes.

                              The MeyGen Tidal Energy Project 

This project consists of four turbines which generate 1.5 MW(megawatts) each and are located in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth. This is a narrow channel between Scotland and the Stroma Island. An area noted for its exceptionally strong tidal currents which are required to efficiently generate electricity. The current plan by MeyGen is to have 20 underwater turbines by 2030 with up to 130 being added at a later date.