Name and Location
Tidal stream project, Scotland.

Client
MeyGen.

Project Description
The project is located in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth off the north coast of Caithness, home to one of Europe’s greatest tidal resources.

The plan is to deploy up to 398 MW of offshore tidal stream turbines to supply clean and renewable electricity to the UK national grid over the next ten years.

The turbines will be installed in phases.

The first 6 MW demonstration phase of the tidal array scheme will result in submerged turbines being installed in the Inner Pentland Firth just north of Caithness.

The initial phase of the MeyGen development can potentially generate up to 86 MW of electricity, enough power for about 42 000 homes that can cater to the needs of almost 40% of households in the Scottish Highlands.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Power from the first demonstration phase is expected to be delivered by 2016.

Latest Developments
Atlantis Resources has awarded automation technology group, ABB, a contract by to provide the onshore grid connection for Phase I of the MeyGen tidal stream project.

ABB will be responsible for the onshore power conversion and grid connection systems to feed the electricity safely and reliably into the local distribution grid. ABB’s project scope includes the design, engineering, supply and commissioning of the power conversion, switchgear and transformer solution, as well as associated civil engineering and cabling works. Major product supplies include transformers, medium-voltage switchgear and power converters.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
ABB (onshore grid connection).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
MeyGen, tel +44 207 821 0278.
ABB group corporate communications, Thomas Schmidt, tel +41 43 317 7111.