How Scotland’s underwater turbine is a breakthrough for tidal energy

A turbine off Scotland's coast has been spinning for over six years, harnessing the power of ocean tides to generate electricity, demonstrating the technology's commercial viability. This durability mark is a record that paves the way for larger tidal energy farms and makes the technology more appealing to investors. Tidal energy projects would be prohibitively expensive if turbines had to be removed for maintenance every couple of years. The MeyGen tidal energy project has four turbines producing 1.5 megawatts each, enough to power up to 7,000 homes annually. The project has been sending electricity to the grid for about eight years, making it a global leader in tidal energy. Achieving six years of operation without unplanned maintenance is a significant milestone for the industry. Scotland and the UK are leading the way in tidal energy, with the MeyGen site being the largest tidal energy project of its kind worldwide. Despite hurdles to overcome, the project has addressed concerns about the durability of turbines in seawater. The site plans to add 20 more turbines in 2030 and could eventually hold up to 130 more powerful turbines. The success of the project is expected to push the industry forward and make tidal energy a more viable option for generating clean energy.