The Orkney group of islands lies at the northeast tip of Scotland. There, strong winds and giant waves have bred a hardy group of fisher folk. Many famous musicians, artists, philosophers and writers have also come from there. Their imagination and resilience has been extraordinary. Take the Orkney tidal turbine, for example.
The Orkney Tidal Turbine Has Smashed Scottish Records
“The turbine generated more electricity in its first year than the entire of Scotland’s wave and tidal power sector in the 12 years before.” So says news site Scotland Is Now. That’s because the huge device transcends previous thinking, they say.
Previous Scottish tidal turbines anchored directly to the seabed below. However, in the case of the Orkney tidal turbine, the blades suspend from a floating raft above. This ingenious device is long and slim, allowing it to align perfectly to the restless energy beneath. The turbine is tethered in the Fall of Warness tidal race and that’s another story of its own.
Drum Roll Please for the Orkney Tidal Turbine
What Makes the Fall of Warness a Near-Perfect Site
The Fall of Warness is off the Isle of Eday in the Orkney island group. Its rugged North Sea location attracts huge waves, the record being 59 feet. There, a mass of water ebbs and flows reaching 9 mph, or 7.9 marine knots.
The European Marine Energy Center has explored various renewable energy options in this wild and lovely place. They are excited by the power of the ocean. Someday the United Kingdom could harvest 20% of its energy from the seas surrounding it. Head of operations and technology Jonathan Lindsay told Scotland Is Now “Tidal energy is making extraordinary progress. As we move forward we will see bigger and better machines coming along.”
The Orkney tidal turbine is amazing milestone for the tidal energy industry. It demonstrates the untapped potential of an amazing renewables sector emerging .
Related
Geological Generator Beneath The Sea Bed
Alternative Lifestyle: The Peninsula of Scoraig
Preview Image: Southern Part of Orkney Island Group off Scotland
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/7tzksqO5XB8
