Abstract: This paper gives the background to the development of the 1.2MW SeaGen tidal turbine commercial demonstrator, and describes the installation and subsequent operational experience.
Some performance results are disclosed, including the measured power curve as audited by DNV. SeaGen is unique in being the world’s first commercial scale tidal turbine and in being accredited as an official power generating station by the UK regulator.
The paper finishes with an outline of future development plans.