The “kit cities” seem to be hiding a secret that has now been uncovered. “Kit Cities” are harnessing up to 1,5 MW of power underwater. While wind and solar power has always dominated conversations of clean energy generation, the thought of harnessing tidal energy has just started to surface. This February, Proteus Marine Renewables revealed Japan’s first megawatt-scale tidal turbine. This tidal turbine, the AR1100, is changing the energy game in Japan particularly for the remote areas in Goto Islands. Tidal energy is now on offer in previously overlooked “kit cities” and as such isolated communities are now reaping the benefit of harnessing power from the sea.
Tidal technology, a new reality in Japan
The move towards better tidal technology in the Naru Strait has set the platform for such an initiative to reach local regions in Goto Islands which is nearby. The pilot project was initially launched back in 2021; however, it was only later in 2022 that Japanese Kyuden Mirai Energy (KME) and Proteus Marine Renewables signed a contract proposing scaling up the technology. This year, the AR1100 was immersed in water ready for the task with advanced modular features and included yaw and pitch systems to ensure full optimization.
According to Philip Archer, Managing Director of Proteus Operations Japan, teamwork and collaboration efforts with locals can be said to have attributed to the success of this project. More than just being a pat on the back for the engineers, the AR1100 deserves a round of applause for introducing a new era in the move away from fossil fuels towards the initiative to rely on cleaner and better energy.
“Kit Cities” no longer forgotten due to sustainable energy game
“Kit Cities” and many communities in the Goto Islands that have long been forgotten are now catered for by the mere deployment of the AR1100. Due to the location and the isolated nature of “Kit Cities”, they tend to depend on diesel generators and receive limited grid accessibility. Tidal energy has come in at the right time to provide a sustainable way to gain clean energy and a way to cut electricity costs.
The Proteus’ turbines are able to offer energy without resulting in any ecological disturbances. Thus far, 20 GWh has already been generated by these turbines, and it is becoming a reality that tidal energy is a more scalable solution as well.
There are fully operational Proteus’ turbines in Japan and the United Kingdom. According to the CEO of Proteus, Drew Blaxland, a sure power source will be on offer to local communities.
The mechanics behind the AR1100
The AR1100 tends to be a horizontal-axis tidal turbine best for maximum hydrodynamic efficiency. With electromechanical pitch control systems, turbine angles can be adjusted in real time to ensure that energy gets maximized and tidal flow increases.
The turbine can rotate so as to face the direction of currents automatically and the direction that this turbine faces currents can change about 4 times daily. The internal drivetrain is capable of transforming mechanical energy to a magnet generator. The entire installment gets installed by local vessels under Proteus’ supervision and thus the core workings of the AR1100 makes it best for the clean energy game. This is not the first tidal-powered engine produced; however, we are coming to realize with the AR1100 and other tidal-powered engines that the ocean hides a new fuel.
Coastal energy in Japan
Japan is successful for the AR1100 and clearly it depicts the increasing importance of marine renewables. Thanks to partnerships with governments and other local companies, Proteus is assisting to transform coastlines into renewable energy hubs.
Cleaner and sustainable energy is no longer restricted to rooftops or windows but can be gained from underwater tides too. After 200 years thinking this thing in the sea was a myth, we a finally finding ways to revolutionize energy from the sea too.
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