China Three Gorges’ (CTG) first SG500kW tidal stream turbine has been installed between the islands of Putuoshan and Huludao in the Zhoushan archipelago in China, SIMEC Atlantis Energy (Atlantis) informed.

Atlantis, ITPEnergised, the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) and CTG worked together to install the turbine with a rotor diameter of 18 meters.

The turbine was manufactured in CSIC’s facilities in Wuhan, which have in recent months had to deal with being at the centre of the outbreak of the Coronavirus. While following all government advice concerning social distancing as well as the regulations concerning manufacturing facilities, CSIC has completed the task successfully.

Tidal energy in China

China is currently working to cut its coal consumption which, with fossil fuel accounting for just under 60% of the country’s overall energy consumption, is a huge challenge. Its strict 2015 Paris climate change commitments have been met, reflecting domestic political desire to respond to environmental concerns and address urban pollution.

As such, the country is actively seeking out renewable investment opportunities, with studies estimating that tidal stream energy in China could supply more than 8.2GW to the country’s grid.

“Atlantis can be extremely proud of the role we played in this project. The fast execution, from concept design to installation, represents a phenomenal feat of engineering that bodes well for a rapid future roll-out of tidal power in China, which in turn will have material cost reduction implications globally.
“MeyGen has demonstrated the true potential of tidal energy and has de-risked the market to the extent that we are now exporting know-how and equipment internationally, with China the latest market to open in Asia.”
Tim Cornelius, chief executive of SIMEC Atlantis Energy.