Tesla Powerpack was fully integrated with the existing tidal array of Nova Innovation and it is claimed to deliver the first grid-connected ‘baseload’ tidal power station.
Since the beginning of this month, the grid has been supplied with Nova’s Tidal Energy Storage System (TESS) demonstrator, which has Nova Innovation’s Shetland Tidal Array with Tesla’s battery technology to supply clean power ‘on demand’.
Nova Innovation claims that linking tidal power with energy storage improves security of supply, reduced carbon emissions and can also help in balancing electricity supply and demand. It further stated that the predictability of the tide and the six-hour generation cycle times make it ideal to be partnered with energy storage.
Nova Innovation CEO Simon Forrest said: “By storing the clean energy generated by the natural ebb and flow of the tide, we can control the supply of electricity to the grid to match demand. This creates a consistent source of completely predictable power from a clean, sustainable resource.
“Nova’s expertise in smart grid control, renewable generation and energy storage has delivered this game-changing innovation. We now look forward to expanding our services to other markets and renewable projects.”
The project has secured funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme. This programme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and helps in accelerating the development of low-carbon infrastructure projects across Scotland.
Scotland Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Nova Innovation are a dynamic Scottish company with exciting technology and, of course, they can and should be rightly proud of having developed the World’s first tidal array at Bluemull Sound, Shetland.
“Now, with the support of £272,606 of Scottish Government funding, this already successful project will also allow for the deployment of additional tidal devices, expanding the generating capacity of the Nova Innovation Shetland Tidal Array.”
