Tidal Turbine Uses GreenLink Connectivity Solution

Over the past decade, Sabella has developed an original concept for a screen of tidal turbines positioned on the seafloor. Pre-orientated in the direction of natural tidal currents and empowered by symmetrical rotor blades, the turbines capture the energy generated by the shift between ebb and flow. The rotor is activated even by modest current motion and powers a generator, which exports the electricity produced to the land based grid via a submarine cable anchored and embedded at its landfall. 

After installing and testing the Sabella D03 demonstrator turbine unit, Sabella has now secured the funds to install and test its full scale Sabella D10 0.5 kW rated power and 1 MW maximal output power turbine in the Fromveur Strait near South Ushant (Brittany, France). Future Sabella tidal farm sites could feature units with a capacity up to 2 MW.

For transmitting the harnessed tidal power to the onshore grid, the Sabella D10 relies on a total custom MacArtney subsea connectivity solution. Based on a GreenLink Inline Termination for connecting the turbine to the grid via the dynamic subsea export cable, the solution also comprises a couple of hang-off stress terminations, a custom made flange including various medium and low voltage connectors (Gisma) for the turbine nacelle, a junction box jumper cable and various test cables.