Proteus Marine Renewables Deploys Japan’s First Megawatt-Scale Grid Connected Tidal Energy System
Proteus Marine Renewables has achieved a significant milestone by deploying the AR1100 tidal turbine in Japan, marking the country’s first ever megawatt-scale grid connected tidal energy system. This groundbreaking development is set to accelerate the decarbonization of the Goto Islands’ electricity supply and propel Japan’s renewable energy transition forward.
The AR1100 tidal turbine, installed in the Naru Strait, is capable of generating 1.1 MW of clean energy. Building on the success of the AR500 pilot project in 2021, Proteus signed a contract with Kyuden Mirai Energy (KME) to upgrade the device to its current capacity, leveraging its modular architecture and integrating advanced pitch and yaw systems for enhanced performance and efficiency.
The deployment of the AR1100 was made possible through the collaboration and expertise of key partners and suppliers in Japan, with the Proteus Offshore Services team overseeing the installation process. This achievement comes on the heels of Proteus’s establishment following a management buyout of Simec Atlantis Energy’s tidal energy division in 2022.
Philip Archer, Managing Director of Proteus Operations Japan, expressed pride in the team’s dedication and expertise, emphasizing tidal energy’s potential as a reliable renewable energy source in Japan. With operational turbines in both the United Kingdom and Japan, Proteus is demonstrating the scalability of tidal energy as a viable power source for coastal communities.
Drew Blaxland, CEO of Proteus, highlighted the importance of predictable energy sources like tidal energy in Japan’s renewable energy mix, underscoring the role of Proteus in bringing proven solutions to new markets and supporting a sustainable energy future.
Upgraded AR1100 Tidal Energy Turbine for Optimal Efficiency
The AR1100 tidal turbine features a horizontal-axis rotor with three advanced composite blades designed for optimal efficiency in tidal currents. Equipped with electromechanical pitch systems for real-time control and a drivetrain transmitting mechanical power to a permanent magnet generator, the turbine is designed to maximize energy capture and minimize hydrodynamic loads.
The device also includes a state-of-the-art electrically actuated hydraulic locking yaw mechanism to ensure the rotor faces the oncoming tidal flow for maximum energy production. Mounted on a gravity-based support structure and connected to shore via a subsea cable, the turbine transmits power directly to an onshore station for grid distribution.