Tidal energy breakthrough: Six years of nonstop power sets global record

The MeyGen tidal stream array off Scotland’s northern coast has set a global record by operating continuously for over six years without unplanned maintenance, demonstrating unprecedented reliability for tidal energy systems. This milestone was achieved through the collaboration of SKF, a global engineering firm, and Proteus Marine Renewables, which developed turbines equipped with specialized underwater components designed to withstand harsh subsea conditions. The success of this pilot project, commissioned in 2017 and running continuously since 2018, marks a significant step toward proving tidal energy as a dependable and scalable clean power source capable of diversifying the global energy mix and reducing carbon emissions. Building on this achievement, Proteus plans to deploy 30 new 3-MW AR3000 turbines starting in 2026 across sites in Scotland, France, and Japan, each capable of powering approximately 3,000 homes, with ambitions to expand to 300 turbines. The predictable nature of tidal energy, unlike solar or wind, offers a consistent renewable resource, and the UK