Nova Tidal Array

The Nova Tidal Array will be developed in three 0.5 MW phases. Turbines will be deployed gradually within each phase so that environmental effects can be carefully monitored. The first 0.5 MW will be further split into two phases to enable deployment and environmental monitoring of a single turbine first (Phase 1a), before the next four turbines are added to the array (Phase 1b). Nova used this carefully managed, phased approach at the world’s first tidal turbine array – the Shetland Tidal Array, Scotland. It has helped to demonstrate the reliability and performance of our turbines and build confidence in tidal energy.

In March 2022 Nova installed a remote observation platform (ROP) on the seabed in Petit Passage adjacent to the scheduled location of the first turbine (Phase 1a). The ROP comprises a steel ballasted frame to which three high-definition Teledyne Bowtech L3C-800 subsea cameras and a Gemini Tritech 720is multibeam imaging sonar unit are attached. A single export cable to shore provides ROP power supply and data transfer.

Following installation, the ROP-mounted sensors have been acquiring data from Petit Passage. This has enabled Nova to demonstrate their reliability and feasibility as part of the overall monitoring system for the Nova Tidal Array. Data gathered from the site has enabled configuration and data acquisition of the ROP-mounted sensors, and optimization of data transfer and storage procedures in advance of the install of the first turbine.