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UK-based tidal energy company Proteus Marine Renewables (PMR) has installed a megawatt-scale tidal turbine in the Naru Strait, Japan, making it “the first to operate such devices in two countries”. According to PMR, the AR1100 turbine is expected to generate 1.1 MW of power, supporting the decarbonization of the Goto Islands’ electricity supply. Building on the AR500 pilot, which operated in the Naru Strait with 97% availability in 2021, Proteus signed a contract with Kyuden Mirai Energy (KME) in 2022 to upgrade the system. In August 2024, PMR started assembling the tidal turbine. The company integrated advanced pitch and yaw control systems to boost efficiency, increasing the capacity to 1.1 MW. “Deploying the AR1100 in Japan is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team working in collaboration with local professionals,” said Philip Archer, Managing Director of Proteus Operations Japan. “The result reinforces tidal energy’s potential as a dependable renewable source in Japan. Our next immediate focus is the commissioning of the turbine, Japan’s first ever MW-scale grid-connected tidal system, and the subsequent testing and accreditation phase.” The deployment was carried out by local vessels under the supervision of the Proteus Offshore Services team. Kyuden Mirai Energy, with support from Japan’s Ministry of Environment, is leading efforts to integrate tidal energy into the country’s renewable mix, PMR said. “The AR1100 deployment marks a major milestone for Proteus and the marine energy industry,” said PMR CEO, Drew Blaxland. “With operational turbines in both the United Kingdom and Japan, we are proving the scalability of tidal energy as a viable power source for coastal communities. As Japan expands its renewable energy mix and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, predictable sources like tidal energy will be essential in securing a stable, sustainable energy future. Proteus remains at the forefront of this transition, bringing proven solutions to new markets.” The AR1100 tidal turbine is equipped with a three-blade horizontal-axis rotor designed for efficiency in tidal currents. The system includes an electromechanical pitch control mechanism for real-time power optimization and a hydraulically actuated yaw system to align with tidal flow shifts. According to the company, the turbine is mounted on a gravity-based foundation and connected to the shore via a subsea cable for grid distribution. In November 2024, PMR secured funding through the Crowdcube platform, hitting its investment target to accelerate global tidal energy projects. The campaign, launched in September 2024, was aimed at expanding PMR’s technology deployment. Described as “a new tidal energy outfit”, PMR emerged as an independent tidal energy company following the sale of a majority stake in SIMEC Atlantis Energy’s Advanced Tidal Engineering and Services (ATES) division. The buyout allowed the company to broaden its marine renewables portfolio while maintaining tidal energy as its core focus. |
