World's Largest Tidal Turbine Unveiled in Scotland - Yes, It's Humongous

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photos: Atlantis Resources Corp.

There are some big tidal turbines out there, but none so massive as the one pictured above: The Atlantis Resources AK1000, just unveiled in Scotland and due to be installed at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney later this summer. Weighing in at 130 tons and standing nearly 74 feet tall, with rotors nearly 60 feet across, the 1MW turbine's manufacturers say it is capable of generating enough electricity for 1000 homes.

With two sets of blades, the turbine is designed to be able to generate power from both ebb and flood tides, and is designed to be able to withstand the marine conditions off Scotland.

Atlantis Resources chief executive Tim Cornelius touted the durability of AK1000 to theBBC: "In order to get a robust turbine we have had to make what we call ultimately the dumbest, simple but more robust, turbine you could possible put in such a harsh environment."

Cornelius noted that due to the slow speed at which the blades rotate, marine life is at little risk: " The turbines turn at six to eight revolutions per minute, so are incredibly slow turning and will have zero impact on the surrounding environment."

Read more: Atlantis Resources Corporation
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