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14. 1. 2026
While most renewable sources depend on the sun or wind, there is another huge, yet little-used source of energy – ocean tides. It is in this area that the Czech engineering group Wikov significantly applies itself, supplying gearboxes for the world's most powerful tidal power plant.
Unlike wind or sun, the movement of ocean tides is completely predictable. Thanks to this, it represents a stable source of electricity that can complement other renewable sources. Moreover, tidal power plants produce no emissions or noise and have minimal impact on the environment. However, their development was long hindered by technical and economic obstacles – precisely those that are now being overcome thanks to modern technologies.
In the north of Scotland, at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, a unique tidal power plant has been commissioned. It was developed by Orbital Marine Power Ltd., formerly known as Scotrenewables Tidal Power. The device represents a breakthrough in the field – it is a floating platform that can be easily towed to port for maintenance, which was previously not possible with subsea power plants.
The 72-meter-long floating superstructure carries two turbines on retractable arms. These turbines, with a total output of over 2 MW, can cover the consumption of approximately 1,700 households. Each set works below the sea surface, so a key requirement is perfect watertightness and reliability of all components – especially the 18-ton gearboxes from Wikov production. The power plant is anchored in the Fall of Warness, where tidal speeds exceed three meters per second.
Wikov's participation in this project proves that Czech engineering has something to offer even in the most modern areas of world energy. Wikov gearboxes are known for their precision, durability, and long service life – properties that are absolutely crucial for the extreme conditions of the marine environment.
As shown in this project, energy from the sea is no longer just a vision of the future. Thanks to the cooperation of international companies and technological innovations, it is slowly becoming an important part of the global transition to clean energy – and Wikov is there.
While most renewable energy sources depend on the sun or wind, the sea offers another, yet little-used potential – tidal energy. Its power lies in the regular rhythm of the ebb and flow, which can be predicted with minute precision. Today, modern turbines, many of which use Czech technology, transform this natural energy into electricity.
The engineering group Wikov is among the pioneers of tidal energy. Since 2006, it has participated in the development, production, and service of special gearboxes for tidal turbines. Over almost two decades, Wikov has been involved in five major international projects.
Specifically for the Orbital Marine Power device, tested at the Scottish European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Wikov supplied two robust gearboxes with an output of 1,130 kW. The power plant can supply electricity to approximately 1,700 households, thanks to a 72-meter-long floating platform with a pair of turbines that can be lifted above the surface for maintenance if needed.
Tidal energy has one fundamental advantage over wind or sun – it is completely predictable. This makes it a stable source of electricity that can balance fluctuating renewable sources. Moreover, it produces no emissions and its impact on the environment is minimal.
"The development of gearboxes for tidal turbines is demanding – they work underwater, under extreme pressure, and in contact with salt water. Therefore, we emphasize absolute reliability and durability of materials," say Wikov representatives.
Thanks to its know-how, Wikov has become a respected partner of world leaders in the field, such as Marine Current Turbines, Alstom, Andritz Hydro Hammerfest, Orbital Marine Power, and Aquantis. The company was a finalist and nominee for the prestigious Tidal Energy Award in 2010 and 2015.
While the sea continues to breathe rhythmically with its ebb and flow, Czech Wikov gearboxes help transform this power into the clean energy of the future.
