The operation to install the four turbine support structures began earlier this month on the Pentland Firth site in Scotland, which will be the largest tidal array in Europe.
Developers Atlantis Resources said the operation has been a “resounding success” and has validated the use of a Neptune jack-up vessel for installing tidal turbine foundations offshore in high flow locations.
Atlantis claims that the use of this rig for the installations is “significant” for the future of the industry offering a flexible and fast installation solution.
In June, the project reached a major milestone as it connected to the distribution network for the first time. The connection required installation of one of the longest underground 33kV power export cables in the UK by the network operator Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD). The project has also required more than 25km of distribution network upgrades, as well as infrastructure upgrades at two substations to comply with the National Grid Code.
Meygen remains on track to have all turbines installed and connected to the grid in time for first power delivery by the end of the year.