Image of the day: PLAT-O prepares for launch

PLAT-O tidal platform, developed by Sustainable Marine Energy, is currently undergoing preparations prior to deployment for sea testing.

According to SME’s social media, PLAT-O platform is leaving Cowes and heading for deployment at Yarmouth testing site.

PLAT-O tidal platform is built to host tidal turbines, and is compatible with most of the leading tidal turbine technologies, according to SME.

The buoyant platform is taut moored to the seabed using an anchoring solution.

PLAT-O tidal platform can be moored to rock, shingle and sand, and in variable sea depths.

The number of turbines that can be mounted on the platform is flexible.

PLAT-O tidal platform

SME is currently testing the platform with two 50 kW SIT SCHOTTEL Instream Turbines supplied by Schottel Hydro.

In March, SME received a funding boost from Scottish WATERS scheme in the amount of GBP 1.3 mln for an array demonstration project. According to SME, the funding will be used for establishing operational and production hub in Scotland.

Following the funding announcement, SME signed a long term testing contract with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) on April 20. The testing berths at the Fall of Warness tidal test site will be used for the array deployment, consisting of five PLAT-O systems.

Sustainable Marine Energy is an Isle of Wight-based engineering company that designed PLAT-O tidal platform built to host tidal turbines that will generate electricity from the tides.

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Images/Source: Sustainable Marine Energy