According to Atlantis, who revealed the monster machine today (August 12), the AK1000 turbine is the ‘largest and most powerful’ ever built.

The turbine has an 18 metre rotor diameter, weighs 130 tonnes and stands at a height of 22.5 meters.

Atlantis hope the turbine will be ‘environmentally benign’ due to a low rotation speed and will deliver predictable, sustainable power.

It is due to be installed at a dedicated berth at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), in Orkney, Scotland later this summer.

Capable of generating 1MW of predictable power at a water velocity of 2.65m/s, the AK1000 is capable of generating enough electricity for more than 1000 homes, say the makers.

Atlantis chief executive, Timothy Cornelius, said: “The unveiling and installation of the AK1000 is an important milestone, not only for Atlantis, but for the marine power industry in the United Kingdom.

“It represents the culmination of 10 years of hard work, dedication and belief from all our partners, staff, directors and shareholders.

“The AK1000 is capable of unlocking the economic potential of the marine energy industry in Scotland and will greatly boost Scotland’s renewable generation capacity in the years to come.”

The turbine is designed for harsh weather and the rough open ocean environments off the Scottish coast.

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe