SeaGen is the name given to the 1.2MW tidal energy convertor that is currently operational in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. The turbine regularly delivers its full rated power into the NI grid; as such it is accredited with OFGEM as a UK generating station. Initial tests indicate an excellent Load Factor of over 50% - i.e. average output exceeds half the rated output.
SeaGen operational - 1.2MW at all velocities over 2.4m/s
Dawn of a new industry.
The crane barge edges SeaGen into position. April 1 2008.
Strangford Lough was chosen as the site for the world's first commercial tidal generator because has a very fast tidal current, and at the same time is fairly sheltered from bad weather which could hinder the installation procedure. It is also a convenient place for an independent team of scientists to monitor the interaction of the system with the environment.
SeaGen is owned and operated by Sea Generation Ltd, which is the project company and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marine Current Turbines Ltd. More information about the project and location can be found on the Sea Generation Ltd website, while information about the technology can be found in the technology section.
3 February 2010
Marine Current Turbines has secured funding of £2.7million from the Carbon Trust's Marine Renewables Proving Fund (MRPF) to support the enhancement of SeaGen, the world's largest and so far only megawatt scale grid-connected tidal current energy system .. » More
21 December 2009
Marine Current Turbines (MCT) has raised £3.5m from an investor group led by Carbon Trust Investments Limited and including Bank Invest, EDF Energy, High Tide and a group of significant private investors. The funding will help MCT in its plans to.... » More