MeyGen

MeyGen
Name	MeyGen
Location	Inner Sound, Caithness, Scotland
Status	Operational
Owner	Atlantis Resources / SIMEC Atlantis Energy
Technology	Tidal stream turbine array
Turbines	Multiple (initial 1.5 MW units)
Commissioning	2016 (pilot)

MeyGen

MeyGen is a tidal stream energy project in the Inner Sound off Caithness, Scotland, developed to harness marine currents for electricity generation. The project brought together a consortium of energy companies, research institutions, and public bodies to deploy tidal turbines and evaluate performance, grid integration, and environmental effects. It established early commercial-scale precedents for marine renewable developments and involved partnerships with utilities, manufacturers, and regulators.

Background and development

The project emerged from Scottish Government renewable energy ambitions and involved stakeholders including the Crown Estate, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and European Commission funding programs. Early feasibility studies engaged engineering firms, marine consultancies, and academic partners such as Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, and University of Strathclyde. Initial planning required consents from Marine Scotland, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds among consultees. Project proponents negotiated with National Grid and Ofgem for transmission arrangements, while investment rounds attracted participants like Scottish Enterprise and Innovate UK. Historical precedents and comparative programs included work by European Marine Energy Centre, Ocean Renewable Power Company, ANDRITZ Hydro Hammerfest, and Verdant Power.

Technology and design

The design centered on axial-flow tidal turbines mounted on seabed foundations, drawing on technology from manufacturers including Atlantis Resources, Siemens, and Sabella. Engineering analyses referenced Computational Fluid Dynamics from institutions like Imperial College London and University College London, and standards from DNV and IEC. Power conversion used subsea cables and offshore substations compatible with National Grid transmission equipment and ABB switchgear. Marine operations leveraged vessel support from companies such as Bibby Offshore and TechnipFMC, and used survey data from Gardline and Fugro. Ancillary systems incorporated remote monitoring from Schneider Electric, GE, and Siemens Digital Industries, and performance modelling incorporated data from Met Office and UK Hydrographic Office.

Construction and commissioning

Construction phases involved fabrication yards in Scottish shipyards and supply chains including Babcock, Ferguson Marine, and BiFab. Installation used heavy-lift vessels tied to contracting firms like Heerema Marine Contractors and Van Oord, with subsea installation aided by Oceaneering and Subsea 7. Commissioning tests referenced protocols endorsed by Lloyd's Register and Lloyd's Register Energy. Marine coordination considered logistics with HM Coastguard, Port of Scrabster, and Wick Harbour Authority. Safety management incorporated guidance from HSE and OPITO training for technicians from institutions such as Robert Gordon University.

Operations and performance

Operational management engaged remote-control systems, operations centers modelled after utility practices at ScottishPower and SSE, and real-time analytics from providers such as Siemens Gamesa and GE Renewable Energy. Performance metrics referenced capacity factors achieved by tidal projects like MeyGen versus wind projects by Vattenfall and Ørsted, and compared to tidal work by Nova Innovation and Marine Current Turbines. Maintenance employed ROVs and dive teams coordinated with industry partners such as Fugro and EMU Limited. Grid integration required coordination with National Grid ESO, Ofgem market arrangements, and balancing services used by Elexon and National Grid Partners. Independent evaluations drew on research by the Carbon Trust, RenewableUK, and the International Energy Agency.

Environmental and regulatory impact

Environmental monitoring programs involved NatureScot, Marine Scotland Science, and Scottish Natural Heritage, assessing effects on species monitored by RSPB, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and World Wildlife Fund. Impact assessments referenced statutory processes under Marine (Scotland) Act and EU Habitats Directive precedents, and consulted regulators including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Marine Management Organisation. Studies considered benthic impacts measured by academics at University of Aberdeen and University of Glasgow, and noise assessments citing research from Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and the British Trust for Ornithology. Mitigation measures aligned with guidance from International Maritime Organization and UN Convention on the Law of the Sea considerations.

Ownership, financing, and contracts

The project’s ownership and financing structures included private equity, project finance from banks such as Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC, and participation from corporate entities including Atlantis Resources and SIMEC Atlantis Energy. Grant and innovation funding involved European Regional Development Fund, Scottish Enterprise, and UK Government innovation programs like Innovate UK. Power Purchase Agreements and contract arrangements referenced counterparties including ScottishPower, SSE, Centrica, and corporate offtakers exploring Corporate Power Purchase Agreements like Google and Amazon in other renewable contexts. Supply contracts involved manufacturers and service firms such as ABB, Siemens, BiFab, and Balfour Beatty.

Future plans and expansion

Future expansion scenarios contemplated scaling to multi-megawatt arrays, lessons from projects like Orkney tidal initiatives, and integration with hydrogen production studied by ITM Power and Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association. Policy frameworks influencing expansion included Scotland’s energy strategy, UK Renewable Energy Roadmap, and EU Green Deal precedents. Potential collaborations could involve international partners such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Siemens Energy, and Ørsted, while academic research partnerships might include the University of Strathclyde, Cranfield University, and University of Exeter. Planning for decommissioning and lifecycle management referenced guidelines from IEA-OES and OSPAR Commission.

Category:Tidal power projects in Scotland