Simec Atlantis thinks its tidal arrays can power a data centre in Caithness, Scotland.
If it can find a partner, the company believes a power purchase agreement could help fund its expansion plans. It currently has to compete for subsidy with more mature technologies.
Simec said it is in talks “with world leading data centre operators” about the plan, and is working with engineering firm AECOM on feasibility and systems design.
If it can strike a deal, the aim is for a tidal-powered data centre to be operational by 2024 to coincide with planned capacity expansion, though Simec said it could power a smaller data centre module from the existing 6MW operational turbines.
The data centre would also need grid back-up, but Simec said other renewables projects in the area could provide power via the private wire network.
Simec Atlantis CEO, Tim Cornelius, said Meygen has “many of the ingredients to provide clean power to the data centre, including a large grid connection agreement, proximity to international fibre optic connections and persistent cool weather”.
Related stories:
Think big to make tidal power ‘cheaper than Hinkley C’, says Atlantis boss
Atlantis 6MW tidal array enters commercial operations
Atlantis plans 160MW Wyre tidal barrage
Scotland sets world record for tidal power
Atlantis predicts big year for tidal power
Engineers tell government to pay for tidal power
Government confirms support rates for offshore wind, wave and tidal power
Tidal energy firms clocks up 1GWh, seeks more funds
Simec Atlantis fundraising for waste-to-energy and tidal projects
Simec agrees Uskmouth stake sale terms, shares soar
Simec eyes 900,000 tonnes of UK waste fuel production
Simec hires Drax expert to help with Uskmouth conversion
Simec Atlantis steps up Uskmouth conversion plans
Follow us at @EnergystMedia. For regular bulletins, sign up for the free newsletter.
