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Development of tidal stream generators
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<p>Many <a href="/facts/Tidal_stream_generator/BCNWstW3">tidal stream generators</a> have been developed over the years to harness the power of tidal currents flowing around coastlines. These are also called tidal stream turbines (TST), tidal energy converters (TEC), or marine hydro-kinetic (MHK) generation. These turbines operate on a similar principle to <a href="/facts/Wind_turbine/lUfWqfLg">wind turbines</a>, but are designed to work in a fluid approximately 800 times more dense than air which is moving at a slower velocity. Note that <a href="/facts/Tidal_barrage/cepn9a6w">tidal barrages</a> or lagoons operate on a different principle, generating power by impounding the rising and falling tide. </p><p>Lots of different technology variants have been tested, and there has not been convergence on a predominant typology. Most have been horizontal-axis, like wind turbines, but with 2, 3, or more blades and either mounted on a seabed fixed foundation or on a floating platform. In addition, vertical-axis turbines and tidal kites are also being developed. </p><p>Historically, development has largely been focused around Europe, but devices have been built and tested in North America – including at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), Japan, and elsewhere. The <a href="/facts/European_Marine_Energy_Centre/fkJq686s">European Marine Energy Centre</a> (EMEC) was set up in <a href="/facts/Orkney/CDuLIPfu">Orkney</a> in 2003, and developed a tidal test site in the <a href="/facts/Fall_of_Warness/VkWsfwG6">Fall of Warness</a>, to the west of the island of <a href="/facts/Eday/Huassauj">Eday</a>. The site opened in 2006, and EMEC was granted a license in 2016 to test up to 10 MW of tidal stream devices, and has since hosted the testing of many of these devices. </p><p>There have been various acquisitions of technology developers over the years. Many of the companies are no longer trading, or have ceased development of tidal-stream turbines. However, the first pre-commercial array demonstration projects have been operating since around 2016. Building on this, commercial arrays are expected to be operational by around 2027, at EMEC, <a href="/facts/Morlais/IUWH9SEe">Morlais</a> and elsewhere. </p>