Now that the device has arrived, local marine contractor Leask Marine will install the ATIR at EMEC’s Fall of Warness grid-connected tidal test site. Here the device will be exposed to the site’s strong tides which can reach up to four metres per second, conditions which will allow the ATIR to demonstrate its maximum operational performance.
EMEC’s Managing Director, Neil Kermode, said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Magallanes Renovables back to Orkney after the success of their previous smaller scale tests at EMEC in 2014. This project is yet another positive step for the tidal energy market and we look forward to seeing how the ATIR responds to the conditions at the Fall of Warness.”
The deployment of the ATIR is part of the OCEAN_2G project, which aims to test, validate and pre-certify Magallanes’ second generation (2G) 2MW tidal platform. The project is led by SAGRES – Magallanes Renovables’ parent company and the project consortium brings together EMEC, Orkney-based marine services provider Leask Marine, and electrical specialists IM FutuRe.
The 45 metre ATIR was built and launched in Vigo, and features a 25 metre draft which supports two 19 metre diameter rotors. The platform has been designed to be anchored to the seabed by mooring lines at the bow and stern, while the striking yellow and red steel-built tidal platform floats on the surface.
The aim now is to incrementally build up the ATIR’s power output to 2MW while installed at EMEC, readying it for market.
IM FutuRe’s Managing Director, Jose Antonio Riveiro, concluded, “Following the positive trial tests carried out in Vigo, we are thrilled about the journey of the ATIR platform to EMEC. We hope that the generation tests at are a success and we wish the the OCEAN_2G project the best of luck.”
