A 1MW Tidal Generator in Strangford Lough

During 2004-2007 the design, manufacture, installation and testing is planned of the first "full size" twin rotor system to be rated at 1MW. This will be grid-connected and will function with the flow in both directions - it will in fact be the prototype and test-bed for the commercial technology. This phase is expected to cost approximately 8.5 million pounds including grid connection and is financially supported by the operating partners and the UK DTI who have awarded a grant of 4.27 million pounds.

There are suitable tidal conditions for a similar development (perhaps using a Gentec Venturi system) around the Mull of Galloway and possibly at Portpatrick.

This exciting project is being undertaken by Marine Current Turbines Ltd, a company formed to develop technology for exploiting flowing water in general and tidal streams in particular. The goal is both to arrive at cost-effective and reliable power systems and to develop these commercially on a large scale.