Hidden Sea Power: Tidal Turbine Could Energize Coastal Communities

Engineer David Mummery is developing a compact, low-cost tidal energy generator called the Swimmer Turbine, which he believes could revolutionize coastal communities by providing them with accessible renewable energy. The innovation draws inspiration from Mummery's direct experience with the power of water, having tested early prototypes in a secret Highland river.

Mummery's concept led to the creation of Flex Marine Power. The Swimmer Turbine is a 50kw device made of fiberglass and steel that remains submerged below the water's surface, capable of powering approximately 30 homes. Unlike large-scale tidal projects, the Swimmer Turbine is designed to be assembled and installed by local fishermen and workers from their own harbors, akin to an "Ikea furniture kit."

Before founding Flex Marine Power in 2011, Mummery, originally from Guildford, worked as a consultant in the UK energy sector, including nuclear decommissioning. His relocation to Scotland coincided with the country's growing reputation as a hub for marine power expertise. He even contributed to the groundbreaking Pelamis wave power project in Orkney, a 180-meter-long device nicknamed the "sea snake," which, despite its eventual administration, is celebrated as a milestone in marine power innovation.

Mummery's earlier work on large-scale projects like Pelamis and those at sites like Shetland, Pentland Firth, and Orkney felt disconnected from the small coastal communities he encountered. This inspired him to develop a solution that local people could manage themselves. "I thought 'we've got to do this in a way that they can take the lead'," he stated.

After establishing Flex Marine Power, Mummery secured workspace in a former shipyard in Greenock, giving him direct access to the River Clyde for testing. A prototype was successfully trialed in 2015 on the island of Luing, leading to Flex Marine's first major investment. A pivotal full-scale test occurred in 2020 at Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland, where the turbine, assembled from a shipping container, demonstrated its capability to generate electricity while tethered to a boat. This event helped Flex Marine Power secure nearly £1 million from the UK government's Energy Entrepreneurs Fund.

The latest iteration of the Swimmer Turbine is designed to launch directly from shore and operate entirely submerged. Mummery tested this version last year on the island of Islay, working with local individuals to assemble and deploy the device. He described the moment local fishermen used their own tractor to launch the turbine as the realization of his vision.

Mummery plans to return to Islay next year with the goal of generating electricity for the island. He envisions a future where multiple such arrays, owned by different local groups, could power coastal communities. "We're trying to equip real people to thrive by giving them access to the power that's in the tides," he said. The project emphasizes empowering communities by leveraging their local knowledge and work ethic, providing them direct access to tidal energy resources.