The tidal turbine builds on the successful 2MW SR2000 turbine which generated over 3GWh in its first year of testing at the EMEC in Orkney, Scotland.
“This is a flagship engineering project for the emerging tidal sector and we are delighted to be working with TEXO Group to showcase the very capable supply chain we are fortunate to have around us in Scotland and the wider UK,” said Orbital’s CEO, Andrew Scott.
Texo will carry out the manufacturing at its quayside facility in Dundee.
Robert Dalziel, managing director, Texo Group, said: ”We are proud and privileged to be awarded this prestigious contract. The O2 is a pioneering project that will transform the future of tidal energy on a global scale and will be a showcase for the very best in Scottish engineering.
“Our team has a wealth of experience in marine engineering with particular expertise in offshore oil and gas – this project enables us to showcase our vast capabilities for the offshore renewables sector.”
The O2 project has been financed in a number of ways including EU Horizon 2020 funding and a £7m crowdfunding bond which Orbital successfully raised at the start of the year, one of the largest peer-to-peer debentures in UK history. The project also benefits from previously offered market support for the sector via the Renewable Obligation.
“We are really pleased to have such strong endorsement from the wider UK public of our vision for tidal energy which bridges both an industrial opportunity and a low carbon opportunity," added Mr Scott.
Orbital Marine Power www.orbitalmarine.com