Atlantis Unveils AK1000 - World's Largest, Most Powerful Tidal Power Turbine

Auspiciously-named tidal energy developer, Atlantis Resources Corporation, has unveiled its AK1000, assuming the throne as creator of the world's largest, most powerful tidal power turbine.

Scheduled to be installed at the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland, the AK1000 boasts 1 megawatt of energy -- enough to power 1000 homes.

Specs For the AK1000:

Big is an understatement. A single tidal turbine...

• Stands 22.5 meters (73 ft) tall.
• Weighs 1300 tons.
• Has a rotor diameter of 18 meters (59 ft).
• Has a remarkably subtle water velocity of 2.65 meters/sec.

Why does a behemoth this size move so slow? Because it's designed to be environmentally benign. In other words, it works at a slow, predictable but reliable pace, generating the requisite amount of energy at all times. Even in the often harsh weather and open waters of Scotland's coast.

Concerns?

Generally, tidal turbine installations are questioned for their impact on oceanic ecosystems, their overall costs, and what possible negative effect they will have on local economy (read: fishing industry). Such were the concerns with Scotland's Isle of Islay tidal power project last year.

But Atlantis is quick to point out that their beast is meek and mild, a gentle giant focused on its task of generating consistent green energy.

“Today is not just about our technology, it is about the emergence of tidal power as a viable asset class that will require the development of local supply chains employing local people to deliver sustainable energy to the local grid," said Atlantis CEO Tim Cornelius. "The AK1000™ takes the industry one step closer to commercial scale tidal power projects.”

The AK1000™ nacelle was fabricated by Soil Marine Dynamics in Newcastle, England and the gravity base structure and system assembly was completed by Isleburn Engineering, a member of the Aberdeen based Global Energy Group.

Learn more about wave energy at eBoom's Emerging Energy Learning Page.