Tidal Energy Testing Wraps Up in Ireland

Marine energy technology and project solutions provider ORPC has completed testing activities aimed at improving a megawatt-scale tidal energy device in Ireland, according to *Offshore Energy*. The testing, which took place at the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test Site, focused on enhancing the performance and reliability of ORPC's RivGen Power System, a cross-flow tidal and river current energy converter. The RivGen device is designed to generate utility-scale electricity from tidal and river currents. "The testing activities in Galway Bay have provided invaluable data and insights that will enable us to further optimize the RivGen system for commercial deployment," said Jarlath McEntee, ORPC's Director of Operations in Europe. "We are grateful to our partners in Ireland for their support and for providing access to this world-class test facility." The testing in Ireland builds on ORPC's previous work in Alaska, where the company has been developing and demonstrating its tidal and river energy conversion technologies. The RivGen system has been operating in the Kvichak River in southwest Alaska since 2019, providing power to the nearby community of Igiugig. "Completing this latest round of testing is an important milestone as we work to commercialize our tidal and river energy solutions," said Stuart Davies, ORPC's CEO. "We're excited to incorporate the learnings from Ireland into the next phase of the RivGen system's development." The successful testing in Ireland underscores the growing momentum in the tidal energy sector, as developers work to unlock the potential of this renewable resource. With its strong tidal flows, Ireland has emerged as an attractive location for tidal energy projects, and ORPC's work in the country contributes to the nation's efforts to diversify its energy mix and meet its climate goals.