CGEN Engineering has been successfully trialling its next-gen tidal energy generator at META’s Warrior Way test site in Pembrokeshire’s Cleddau Estuary, advancing its technology and showcasing to developers.

The trials have proven the system’s performance in real tidal operating conditions and elevated the technology’s TRL (Technology Readiness Level) from 5 to 7. The project also demonstrated the generator’s manufacturability and transportability and that it is a cost-effective solution for seamless plug and play assembly onsite with an existing tidal turbine.

CGEN’s technology uses a modular electromagnetic converter to transform slow, powerful renewable energy - like tides or waves - into clean, affordable electricity.

CGEN generator systems are ideal for wind, tidal, and wave energy applications due to their lightweight design, ease of transport, and simple maintenance. The modular design makes the generator easy to scale and repair, allowing it to be built to any required size. It also reduces environmental impact, as components can be more easily recovered, reused, and recycled. These features help cut costs and reduce overall lifetime expenses.

In October, renewable energy developers were invited to an exclusive event to showcase CGEN's next-generation modular generator and meet the engineering team. A vessel sail-by gave developers the opportunity to see CGEN’s generator in the water and view operational data streamed from the system.

Funded by Innovate UK, this project has worked with and used Swansea University’s tidal turbine and Rudders Boatyard’s test platform.

Joe Burchell, Managing Director at CGEN, said: “The TIDEGEN project marks the successful completion of our first major programme as an independent company. We set ambitious goals from the outset, and the project has been both highly challenging and hugely rewarding for us. It’s given us valuable experience in marine operations and generator deployment, and it’s been great working with the partners who helped make it happen.”