The FloTEC project will demonstrate the potential for floating tidal stream turbines to provide low-cost, high-value energy to the European grid mix. The FloTEC project has 5 core objectives: 1. Demonstrate a full-scale prototype floating tidal energy generation system for optimised energy extraction in locally varying tidal resources; 2. Reduce the Levelised Cost of Energy of floating tidal energy from current estimated €250/MWh to €200/MWh, through both CAPEX and OPEX cost reductions in Scotrenewables Tidal Technology; 3. Develop potential of tidal energy generation towards flexible, baseload generation, through the integration of energy storage. 4. Demonstrate the potential for centralised MV power conversion to provide a generic, optimised low-cost solution for tidal arrays 5. Progress tidal energy towards maturity and standard project financing by reducing cost and risk, improving reliability, and developing an advanced financing plan for first arrays. This will be realised through the construction of a M2-SR2000 2MW turbine - which will incorporate the following innovations: 50% greater energy capture through enlarged rotors with a lower rated speed; Automated steel fabrication; Centralised MV power conversion Integrated Energy Storage Mooring load dampers Composite Blade Manufacturing The SR2000-M2 will be deployed alongside the existing SR2000-M1 at EMEC to form a 4MW floating tidal array, serving as a demonstration platform for commercially viable tidal stream energy as a baseload supply.

In the ELEMENT project, a partnership of world-leading academic, industrial and research organisations will develop and validate an innovative tidal turbine control system, using the tidal turbine itself as a sensor, to deliver a step change improvement in the performance of the tidal energy sector. By enhancing an existing tidal turbine controller and combining with a state-of-the-art control technology developed for wind turbines, the ELEMENT project will use behavioural modelling and artificial intelligence to optimise performance and deliver an adaptive control system that will slash the lifetime cost of energy by 17%, driving the EU tidal energy sector to commercial reality. The objective of the project are to: - Optimise the control system of a tidal turbine, using behavioural modelling to reduce predicted loads - Use improved understanding of turbine behaviour to maximise energy yield - Optimise tidal turbine design for world-leading improved performance and reduced cost - Develop and demonstrate adaptable control system technology with a wide range of application - Minimise environmental impacts by integrating environmental monitoring into the control system - Increased resistance to marine environment & extended lifetime of tidal turbines - Maximise shared learning between EU projects - Improve the knowledge base regarding impacts of tidal energy on local communities - Increase public support for tidal energy projects Activities will include: - Integrating state-of-the-art technology from the tidal and wind energy sectors - Demonstrating a prototype system using onshore bench-testing, tow testing, and in-sea deployment at two real tidal sites - Demonstration on subsea and floating devices, with geared and direct-drive drive trains - Environmental and socioeconomic assessment of tidal energy at a regional, national and EU level - Independent verification of project results - Knowledge Transfer via a targeted communication programme