Fossil-free though it may be, hydropower comes with its specific set of challenges.
It has a high initial cost, and can often be invasive and destructive to local communities and biodiversity.
Furthermore, it will, in all likelihood, become increasingly susceptible to droughts.
But what if we could harness the power of the oceans themselves?
This is what Scotland-based Orbital Marine Power is aiming to do with its 2MW+ O2.
This is an area of water in the Orkney islands where tidal speeds can reach over 3m/s.
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It is connected to the local electricity grid via a subsea cable.
The machine catches the powerful streams of water with underwater rotors attached to adjustable legs.
Engineering and maintenance can then raise the legs above the surface for easier access.
Furthermore, the rotor design can be reversed to adapt to different tide cycles.
Orbital has also confirmed it has the necessary grid connection in place to service the project.
Were proud to be building that vision in Orkney with this investment in our Westray Project.
But things are picking up.
We need to continue to ramp up development in the years to come.
Lets wave and see.
Story byLinnea Ahlgren
Linnea is the senior editor at TNW, having joined in April 2023.
Dabbles in gaming and fitness wearables.
But first, coffee.
