EMEC successfully demos tidal plus storage and hydrogen integration

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has announced the completion of a demonstration combining tidal power, battery storage and hydrogen production.

Hailed by EMEC as a world first, the demonstration integrated three technologies - Orbital Marine Power’s O2 tidal turbine, Invinity Energy Systems’ vanadium flow batteries, and an ITM Power 670 kW electrolyser.

The test was conducted at EMEC’s onshore site on the Scottish island of Eday where multiple energy flow scenarios were trialled.

EMEC explains that during periods of high generation, power from the O2 was used to charge the battery system, supply electricity directly to the electrolyser and export power to the grid.

When tidal generation was low, the battery system discharged power to the electrolyser to keep the electrolyser operating.

This integrated approach allowed on-demand electricity to power the electrolyser by smoothing out the cyclical nature of tidal power. Also, the battery power supported operations at EMEC’s onshore Caldale site.

During the demonstration, all operational scenarios were tested, with additional safety measures implemented.

For example, the demonstration simulated an electrolyser trip, with the team responding in seconds to prevent site shutdown.

EMEC says that the project did highlight areas for improvement, such as battery management and electrolyser controls. Also, increased automation will enhance system reliability and reduce human error.

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Leonore Van Velzen, Operations and Maintenance Manager at EMEC, commented: “Running all planned scenarios, responding swiftly to an electrolyser trip and identifying opportunities for greater automation have given us a clear roadmap for optimising future systems.

“The trial also highlights an alternative pathway for tidal energy in scenarios where grid export capacity is limited, a likely feature in the future as we transition to a fully renewable energy system.”

The demonstration was part of the Interreg North-West Europe funded project, ITEG, which explored how tidal and hydrogen production could be combined as a solution in coastal areas to overcome grid constraints.

Andrew Scott, CEO at Orbital Marine Power, said in a statement: “This approach will be key as the tidal industry scales globally while strengthening energy resilience for coastal communities.

“Tidal energy offers a predictable source of renewable power, and this demonstration shows how we can unlock its full potential through innovative integration.”

Scott added that by incorporating battery storage, generation is maximised and curtailment is minimised. Furthermore, it creates new markets for tidal energy and opportunities for industrial offtakers to decarbonise.

To support the increasing demand for industrial decarbonisation, Van Velzen says that EMEC is now exploring other offtake routes for hydrogen, such as synthetic fuel production using renewable hydrogen as a feedstock, important for sectors like aviation and maritime.

EMEC believes an integrated project of this nature could help overcome future grid constraints and pave the way for more resilient renewable energy systems.

Jonathan Marren, CEO at Invinity Energy Systems, said: “With this exciting demonstration, EMEC have proven the suitability of vanadium flow batteries for two emerging applications in the form of green hydrogen production and tidal power firming.

“We are delighted to have supported EMEC in the delivery of this world first project, integrating our Scottish-made battery technology into cutting edge applications which could form a key part of our future grid networks not only in the UK but globally.”