7 of the world's most powerful tidal turbines ever built

The article discusses the development and deployment of some of the world’s most powerful tidal turbines, emphasizing the appeal of tidal energy due to its predictability compared to wind or solar power. Despite the challenges posed by harsh marine environments, several megawatt-scale tidal turbines have been successfully built and connected to power grids, marking significant milestones in tidal energy technology. Notably, the Orbital O2, a 2 MW floating tidal turbine installed off the Orkney Islands in Scotland, is currently the most powerful operational tidal turbine. Its innovative floating design with retractable legs allows for easier maintenance and reliable power generation, expected to last up to 15 years. The article also highlights the ScotRenewables SR2000, another 2 MW floating turbine that served as a pioneering full-scale prototype at the same test site. It demonstrated utility-class tidal energy generation by producing over 3 GWh of electricity in about a year, at times supplying up to 25% of the Orkney Islands’ electricity