EMEC completes world-first tidal power, battery storage and hydrogen trial

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has carried out the first global demonstration of a unified energy system that links tidal generation, long-duration battery storage and green hydrogen production. The trial took place at the centre’s test site in Orkney, Scotland.

The demonstration at EMEC’s Eday site brought together the O2 tidal turbine developed by Orbital Marine Power, vanadium flow batteries supplied by Invinity Energy Systems and a 670 kW electrolyzer from ITM Power. Each technology has been used before, but this is the first time they have been operated as a coordinated system to balance variable tidal output, store surplus electricity and produce hydrogen when needed.

Researchers evaluated several energy flow modes. When tidal output was high, electricity from the O2 turbine charged the batteries and powered the electrolyser, with remaining energy exported to the grid. When tidal generation dropped, the batteries discharged to keep the electrolyser running. This approach reduced the variability of tidal generation and ensured a stable electricity supply for hydrogen production.

EMEC noted that the trial offers a pathway for easing grid constraints and creating new offtake options. The project team, led by Leonore Van Velzen, said the results give a clear direction for improving integrated systems while highlighting the need for further work on battery management and electrolyser control.

The trial formed part of the ITEG project funded by Interreg North West Europe and received added support from the Scottish Government through Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the EU-supported FORWARD2030 project.

Image Source: Colin Keldie, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)