What the Project Is
Orbital Marine Power is a pioneering Scottish engineering company that is all about delivering clean, predictable power for millions of people, homes, and businesses using the most innovative tidal turbine technology in the world. With its disruptive floating tidal stream technology, Orbital Marine Power is setting a new benchmark in the way tidal energy is captured. The technology is designed to be compatible with the vast majority of global tidal stream energy sites, making it highly relevant for everyone engaged in marine energy as well as the broader renewable energy development and research community. Think about it – this is a project that uses the natural and reliable flow of the tides to generate a continuous, sustainable supply of low-carbon electricity… every day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.
Main Benefit
The key strength of Orbital Marine Power’s approach is the ability to harness a vastly untapped natural resource – tidal energy – and convert it into clean power. This is achieved through an innovative floating turbine technology that stands out because of its cost effectiveness and reliability. The main benefits include:
- Clean, predictable energy 24/7 and every single day.
- An innovative solution that capitalizes on the dense energy found in the tides.
- The potential for massive cost reductions in electricity generation from tidal currents.
- The design is set to become the world’s largest and most powerful tidal turbine when completed.
- Compatibility with the majority of global tidal stream energy sites.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The vision behind this project is crystal clear: to capture the predictable energy from the tides using innovative floating technology. Orbital Marine Power’s tidal turbines are not only cost-effective but uniquely positioned to take advantage of tidal streams that have been historically overlooked. The energy of the tides flows like clockwork – vast and untapped – and by harnessing this modern, disruptive technology, the project delivers a new way to generate low-carbon, sustainable electricity. There’s an undeniable excitement when considering how this innovative approach could transform the renewable energy landscape… it’s as if nature’s rhythm and the cutting-edge engineering of these turbines are in perfect harmony.
Energy Reliability
Every day, immense tidal energy surges through sea channels and along coastlines, poised to be converted into reliable electricity. Regardless of weather conditions, the turbines can capture this power where it is most concentrated, ensuring a steady supply of energy both day and night, throughout the year. The reliability of tidal stream energy marks it as an ideal resource for integration into future energy systems. In essence, Orbital Marine Power is leveraging a naturally predictable resource – something that other renewable sources can’t claim with the same certainty.
Latest Developments
Recent news has underscored the project’s forward-thinking approach. One of the major milestones was the issuance of an IECRE feasibility statement to Orbital Marine Power for its pioneering O2-X tidal energy converter. This step represents a crucial advancement toward what is set to become the world’s most powerful tidal turbine. Additionally, in a move underscoring the operational efficiency and strategic partnerships within the renewable energy sector, Orbital Marine Power and Global Energy Group signed a Preferred Supplier Agreement under the brand “Marine Ops: Every Second Counts”. These updates are not just headlines; they are an indication of the momentum building around a project that is poised for global impact.
Project Innovation and Scale
At the heart of the project is the O2 2MW tidal turbine, which is expected to be a game changer when it is launched in Orkney in early 2021. This turbine is not only the largest but also the most powerful tidal turbine in the world once completed. Its development is driven by the need to harness the rhythmic and plentiful power of ocean tides, offering a massive cost reduction in electricity generation from tidal currents. This innovation is particularly significant given that tidal energy is one of the few renewable sources that offer a predictable supply of power – a critical factor in today’s energy puzzle. Even with a casual glance at the project’s roadmap, one cannot ignore the potential impact of such a powerful, reliable energy solution.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by generating low-carbon, sustainable electricity.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – through the development of disruptive tidal energy technology.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable energy.
Future Outlook
The future looks promising for Orbital Marine Power. With its cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, the project is set to revolutionize the renewable energy field. The innovative floating tidal turbines not only promise a clean and reliable energy source but also illustrate how naturally predictable tidal flows can be harnessed to level the playing field in cost-competitive energy production. The impact of this technology on existing energy systems is profound – offering a dependable power source that can complement other renewables. The drive to make tidal energy more cost-competitive with less predictable, low-carbon generating technologies is a testament to the dynamic and forward-thinking approach embraced here. As the world looks for robust solutions to the emerging challenges of climate change, this project stands as a beacon of innovation… a dynamic and ready-for-the-future energy solution.
