Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will optimize design of the Atlantis’ new 1.5-megawatt tidal turbine, the AR1500.
The new turbine will have active rotor pitch that allows blades to tilt and angle to the direction of the tides, as well as offer full nacelle yaw rotation, which is the ability to turn during any schedule of the tidal stream.
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training business ocean energy director Tim Fuhr said by 2040, world energy demand is expected to dramatically increase.
"Lockheed Martin’s technology, development and expertise in ocean systems and global system integration skills will enable the AR1500 to use powerful tides to produce safe, clean renewable energy for homes and businesses around the world," Fuhr added.
The new contract follows a partnership formed between Lockheed Martin and Atlantis to develop technology, components and projects for the tidal power sector.
AR1500 will be deployed in the Canada’s Bay of Fundy under the MeyGen project, which is said to be the world’s largest tidal stream project under development and expected to generate about 398MW of power.
Atlantis Resources chief executive officer Tim Cornelius said, "Our AR1500 development program with Lockheed Martin will ultimately deliver the rapidly growing tidal energy industry the most advanced, robust and powerful tidal turbine system available on the market."
Image: AR1500 tidal turbine. Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis Resources Ltd.
