LR Awards Feasibility Statement to Orbital Marine Power for O2-X Tidal Energy Converter

Marine classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has recently granted Scotland-based renewable energy company Orbital Marine Power an International Electrotechnical Commission for Renewable Energy (IECRE) feasibility statement for its innovative O2-X tidal energy converter (TEC).

The O2-X, an upgraded version of Orbital Marine Power’s O2 turbine currently operational in Scotland’s Fall of Warness, is designed to produce 2.4 MW of tidal energy. Orbital Marine Power has ambitious plans to deploy the O2-X in the UK, Canada, and the US, with the goal of advancing tidal energy for offshore operations, coastal infrastructure, and maritime electrification.

LR, being the sole renewable energy certification body (RECB) with a marine energy focus, conducted a thorough assessment of the O2-X through a ten-day technology qualification (TQ) workshop. This comprehensive process involved 11 LR specialists and 22 technical experts from Orbital Marine Power, adhering to the IEC TS 62600-4 standards.

Following the assessment, LR developed a TQ Plan outlining further steps for reliability, efficiency, and safety assurance. Subsequently, LR issued the IECRE feasibility statement, marking the initial stage in the IECRE certification pathway for Orbital Marine Power.

“In awarding Orbital with an IECRE Feasibility Statement, we recognize a significant milestone in the certification of a groundbreaking tidal energy technology. Their meticulous engineering approach showcases the UK’s leadership in the marine renewable sector,” stated Winston D’Souza, Global Technical Authority for Offshore Renewables at LR.

“As they progress towards full IECRE certification, LR looks forward to continuing our support for Orbital and the broader integration of tidal energy technology into the power grids they are connected to.”

The O2-X tidal energy converter from Orbital Marine Power builds upon the success of the company’s existing O2 turbine, incorporating key enhancements to improve performance and scalability. Operating in water depths of at least 30 meters LAT, the O2-X features an 83-meter hull and a displacement of 900 tonnes. It is anchored using a flexible setup of either drilled or gravity-based moorings, ensuring stability in high-flow tidal environments.

Calum Miller, Engineering Manager – New Turbines at Orbital Marine Power, expressed, “We are delighted to have achieved this vital milestone in the certification process for our production model turbine, the O2-X. We value the independent scrutiny as a means to mitigate technical risks and reinforce stakeholders’ confidence in our rigorous engineering approach.”

Orbital Marine Power has also secured approval for a project under the U.S. TEAMER program’s fourteenth request for technical support (RFTS), receiving funding to develop adaptable environmental monitoring packages for floating tidal turbines in collaboration with the University of Washington and MarineSitu. TEAMER allocated nearly $1.9 million to 15 marine energy projects in January, supporting innovation in the sector.