How Scotland's underwater turbine is a breakthrough for tidal energy
Briefly

A turbine submerged 40 meters underwater off Scotland's coast has continuously operated for over six years, demonstrating the commercial viability of tidal energy technology. This longevity facilitates larger tidal energy farms and attracts investors. Tidal energy, still in early commercial development, has significant potential as a clean energy resource. The MeyGen project operates four turbines producing 1.5 MW each, supplying enough power for 7,000 homes yearly. The SKF company's bearings have successfully endured over 6.5 years without unplanned maintenance, marking a significant milestone for tidal energy's future.
Submerged in about 40 meters of water off Scotland's coast, a turbine has been spinning for more than six years to harness the power of ocean tides for electricity - a durability mark that demonstrates the technology's commercial viability.
Tidal energy technologies are still in the early days of their commercial development, but their potential for generating clean energy is big. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, marine energy... is the world's largest untapped renewable energy resource.
Achieving six years in the water with constant operations is a "very significant milestone" that bodes well for the future of tidal energy, said Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe.
The MeyGen tidal energy project off the coast of Scotland has four turbines producing 1.5 megawatts each, enough electricity collectively to power up to 7,000 homes annually.
Read at Fast Company
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