Orbital Marine Power Ltd, the Scotland-based developer of floating tidal stream technology, has secured an additional Contract for Difference (CfD) through the UK’s Allocation Round 7 (AR7), increasing its total UK CfD project portfolio to 17 MW.
The newly awarded capacity will complement the company’s existing 2MW O2 turbine, which has been exporting electricity to the UK grid since 2021 from its site off the Orkney Islands. The O2 is recognised as the world’s most powerful operational tidal turbine and marked a significant milestone for commercial-scale tidal stream generation when it began producing power in July 2021.
The latest UK award follows further international growth for the company. In November, Orbital confirmed that it had secured power purchase agreements in Nova Scotia, Canada, representing an order for six additional turbines, equivalent to approximately 15 MW of capacity, to be deployed in the Bay of Fundy, one of the largest tidal stream resources globally.
Across its UK and Canadian projects, the company’s combined orderbook now stands at 32 MW, or thirteen turbines. Much of this activity is centred in the UK and is expected to generate substantial manufacturing demand, providing opportunities across a predominantly UK-based supply chain.
“This is welcomed news as we move Orbital and our supply chain into delivery mode, it expands our vision and increases the opportunities around our business while we demonstrate the important role tidal stream can play in energy systems of the future with its reliable, predictable clean energy.”
– Andrew Scott, CEO of Orbital Marine Power.
Orbital Marine Power is focused on the international deployment of its floating turbine systems, designed to harness energy from tidal streams and ocean currents on a predictable, daily basis, irrespective of weather conditions. Its technology is engineered to reduce manufacturing and installation costs while enabling efficient access to key components for maintenance.
The O2 turbine, rated at over 2 MW, is designed to deliver utility-scale renewable electricity and contribute to a just energy transition by supporting skilled employment throughout development, fabrication and operational phases. Alongside its operational and contracted projects, the company reports a broader global pipeline of multi-gigawatt tidal stream opportunities under development.
