Based in Bristol, Marine Current Turbines (MCT) is the world leader and first mover in marine current and tidal stream energy. MCT installed the world’s first offshore tidal turbine near Lynmouth off the coast of Devon in May 2003 and completed installation and commissioning of the world’s first commercial scale tidal turbine, the 1.2 MW SeaGen, in Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland in 2008.

MCT’s tidal turbines work much like submerged windmills, but driven by flowing water rather than air. SeaGen is by far the largest and most powerful tidal turbine in the world with twin rotors each sweeping over 200 square metres of flow. It also uses the most efficient type of turbine rotors, namely axial flow pitch controlled rotors, the technology of choice in the wind industry.  As such SeaGen's rotors can achieve over 48% efficiency over a broad range of current velocities and they also offer complete control over the machine - it can be shut down in less than three seconds even with the current at full flow.

 Marine Current Turbines next project is for a 10.5MW tidal energy farm off the coast of the Welsh island of Anglesey in a fast flowing patch of 25 metre deep open sea known as The Skerries. The scheme will consist of seven 1.5MW SeaGen turbines, each likely to stand approximately 9 metres above sea level. The location benefits from good port facilities at nearby Holyhead, proximity to the National Grid facilitating good connection, and good transport links facilitating construction and maintenance. Subject to successful planning consent and financing, the tidal farm could be commissioned as early as 2011. MCT has also signed an agreement with Canada’s ‘Minas Basin Pulp and Power’ to harness the huge tidal currents of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Canada.

 For more information please visit: http://www.marineturbines.com/