New tidal energy turbine certified for operation in Japanese waters

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has officially certified a tidal energy turbine developed by UK-based Proteus Marine Renewables for operation in Japan.

The 1.1MW turbine has already begun exporting energy to Japan's national grid after being certified as satisfying the country's power generation standards.

The turbine is built upon a 500kW modular unit introduced by Proteus in Japanese waters in 2021. The 500kW unit was fitted with upgrades including advanced pitch and yaw control and other enhancements ensuring a rated capacity of 1.1 MW as well as suitability for operation in Japan's offshore areas.

Proteus worked on the tidal turbine project in collaboration with Japanese partner Kyuden Mirai Energy. The upgraded turbine is deployed in the Naru Strait, supplying power to the nearby Goto Islands in Nagasaki prefecture.

"With operational turbines in both the United Kingdom and Japan, we are proving the scalability of tidal energy as a viable power source for coastal communities," said Drew Blaxland, CEO of Proteus.

"As Japan expands its renewable energy mix and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, predictable sources like tidal energy will be essential in securing a stable, sustainable energy future."