SKF's Innovative Tidal Stream Breakthrough to Transform Renewable Energy Market

A Major Milestone in Tidal Energy



The renewable energy sector is poised for a remarkable transformation as SKF has announced a significant breakthrough in tidal stream technology in collaboration with Proteus Marine Renewables. This development is set to bolster the tide energy capabilities of the MeyGen project, recognized as the largest tidal stream array globally, situated in the Pentland Firth of Scotland.

Record-Breaking Performance



SKF has achieved an unprecedented milestone by establishing a new world record for tidal turbine performance and reliability. Their systems have tirelessly operated at a capacity of 1.5 MW for over six years without any unforeseen maintenance disruptions. This impressive longevity marks a new high point in the reliability of renewable ocean energy technologies that the global community has been exploring.

Additionally, SKF's advancements could facilitate the integration of at least 59 MW to the existing 6 MW pilot array at MeyGen, with aspirations for substantial growth backed by further investments and innovative development throughout 2025 and beyond. As Thomas Fröst, President of Independent and Emerging Business at SKF, stated, "Tidal stream power presents a significant opportunity for diversifying the global energy mix while minimizing carbon emissions, which is a vital objective for governments worldwide."

A Sustainable Energy Future



Tidal energy stands out as one of the most predictable renewable resources, complementing both solar and wind energy options. SKF's innovative technology addresses the complexities of maintaining performance and reliability in the challenging marine environment. The tidal energy market is projected to contribute up to £17 billion to the UK economy by 2050, creating more than 15,000 jobs, according to research from Imperial College London (January 2024).

This breakthrough comes at a time when the global community is gaining momentum towards investing in tidal stream technologies, with plans to deploy 1 GW of tidal stream energy by 2035 in the UK alone, enough to power around 829,000 households. The economic implications of this renewable energy potential are becoming increasingly clear, with tidal stream costs expected to become competitive with nuclear energy by 2035. The overall tidal energy market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to about $8.1 billion within the next seven years.

Challenges and Solutions in Tidal Energy



One of the primary challenges in the tidal stream energy sector remains the design of turbines that can operate reliably underwater for prolonged periods. Successful tidal energy solutions must adopt a condition-based maintenance strategy, enabling equipment to function seamlessly for extended periods without significant overhauls. Proteus and SKF have validated this approach through the MeyGen pathfinder array, which has been operational since 2018 and showcases the necessary long-term reliability to bring this vision to fruition.

For over a decade, SKF has played a crucial role in supplying the bearings and seals needed for the turbines’ major mechanisms. These include the main rotor bearings, the yaw mechanism for orienting turbines, and the pitch system for adjusting blade angles to maximize efficiency.

Drew Blaxland, CEO of Proteus Marine Renewables, highlights the importance of partnering with suppliers who understand the subsea environment's demanding nature, stating, "SKF has significantly influenced our ongoing refinement and risk mitigation efforts, providing support that transcends the mere supply of components."

Moving forward, SKF aims to deliver fully integrated 3 MW power trains to Proteus, offering an all-in-one, plug-and-play solution that will streamline supply chain processes.

Conclusion: A Path Towards Commercial Success



As the MeyGen project continues to redefine the tidal energy landscape, its successful operations and performance have proven tidal technology's reliability and capability as a consistent renewable energy source. The collaboration between SKF and Proteus Marine Renewables represents a significant momentum shift as the project transitions from a pilot phase to full commercial deployment.

With tidal energy poised to contribute significantly to the global renewable energy capacity, stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects of groundbreaking advancements in the field, reinforcing the crucial role tidal energy can play in addressing the world's energy needs sustainably and reliably.

Calculations for UK homes assume an average energy consumption of 3,800 kWh per year.
(1GW) = 1000 MW 8760 hours/year 0.40 (load factor) * 0.90 (availability factor) = 3,153,600 MWh/year divided by 3.8 GWh/year = 829,895 households.

Topics Energy)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.