The MeyGen tidal power project in the Pentland Firth has reached a technical milestone with its connection to a major power distribution network.
Meygen, which is the flagship project of owner Atlantis, has been connected to the 33kV Ness of Quoys distribution network following the successful installation of one of the longest underground 33kV power export cables in the UK by the network operator, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution.
Meygen is believed to be the world’s largest energised grid connection of any commercial tidal stream array.
The connection has required over 25km of distribution network upgrades along with infrastructure upgrades at two substations.
When fully built out, the 400MW MeyGen project is expected to generate enough predictable and emissions free electricity to power 175,000 Scottish homes.
The first tidal turbines will be installed over the coming months and the project remains on track to deliver first power in the second half of 2016.
The connection required full National Grid Code compliance and is the first tidal generation project to go through the rigorous diligence process
Atlantis chief executive Tim Cornelius, said: “The connection of our flagship MeyGen project to the SHEPD distribution network marks a huge technical major milestone for Atlantis and the tidal stream industry more broadly.
It has involved years of hard work, persistence, perseverance and determination by our team and all of the contractors and consultants involved in the onshore work scope.
Conernelius added: “We have made great progress over recent months at MeyGen on turbine and foundation preparation and we very much look forward to delivering first power to the grid later this year, which will be a huge event for our company and the global marine power industry.”
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