21 January 2026
World-first 3-in-1 tidal + battery + hydrogen demo shows integrated clean energy pathway
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland, has completed the world’s first demonstration that integrates tidal energy generation, long-duration battery storage, and green hydrogen production into a single coordinated system, using an Orbital Marine Power O2 tidal turbine, vanadium flow batteries, and a 670 kW electrolyser to smooth the natural cycles of tidal power and maintain continuous hydrogen production. During periods of high tidal generation, electricity charges the battery, powers the electrolyser, and feeds the grid; when tidal output falls, the batteries discharge to keep the electrolyser operating, ensuring on-demand electricity for green hydrogen production and reducing curtailment in grid-constrained settings - a key challenge for renewable systems in island and coastal regions.