TidaLGen
Tidal energy technology leaps using a novel torque-dense generator.
TidaLGen develops and validates a compact modular direct-drive generator and converter system for tidal stream energy, working with three leading tidal technology developers to reduce cost, material use and conversion losses. Approved in autumn 2025, it is a CETPartnership Joint Call 2024 selected project.
CETPartnership Joint Call 2024 selected project
TRI 2: Enhanced zero emission Power Technologies
CM2024-03 Advanced renewable energy technologies for power production
This research was funded by CETPartnership, the Clean Energy Transition Partnership under the 2024 joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission (GA No. 101069750)
OVERVIEW
A drivetrain step-change for reliable tidal power.
Tidal stream energy is predictable, renewable and well suited to complementing future electricity systems. The remaining barrier is cost. Approved in autumn 2025 under CETPartnership Joint Call 2024, TidaLGen focuses on one of the hardest parts of that cost challenge: the drivetrain that turns slow, high-torque tidal motion into electricity.
The project integrates Hagnesia’s torque-dense direct-drive generator with modular power conversion, then evaluates its technical, commercial and environmental impact across distinct tidal stream device concepts.
COORDINATOR
Hagnesia Wind AB
CONSORTIUM
5 partners across Sweden, Scotland and Ireland
CETP REFERENCE
CETP-FP-2024-00058
DURATION
30 months from project start
EXPECTED IMPACT
Lower cost, less material and higher conversion efficiency.
TidaLGen sets quantitative targets for system-level performance and sustainability. Final results will be validated through project design studies, modelling and generator-converter testing.
15-25%
target reduction in levelized cost of energy for studied tidal arrays
0.5-2.5MW
modular generator portfolio for tidal stream applications
>97%
target generator efficiency under realistic tidal operational loads
80%
target reduction in critical raw material use versus conventional direct drive
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Three connected goals guide the work.
The project combines component development, developer-specific design studies and stakeholder engagement to move the generator system toward in-water demonstration.
OBJECTIVE 1
Demonstrate a new drivetrain across tidal technologies
Evaluate how Hagnesia’s direct-drive generator can be integrated into three different tidal stream devices, and quantify the effect on device and array performance.
OBJECTIVE 2
Validate a modular generator and converter system
Develop a scalable generator and modular power converter design then assess performance, reliability, lifetime and maintenance needs in tidal operating conditions.
OBJECTIVE 3
Build the route to commercialisation
Identify demonstration pathways, engage key stakeholders and create a roadmap towards lower-cost tidal projects aligned with SET Plan and Net Zero 2050 targets.
TIDAL CASE STUDIES
One generator platform, three tidal technology routes.
Nova, Minesto and ORPC represent different device architectures, operating profiles and commercial pathways. This breadth helps the project identify transferable design principles for the wider tidal sector.
NOVA INNOVATION
Horizontal-axis tidal turbines
Studies drivetrain compatibility and design options for Nova’s M500 turbine and a 10 MW reference array at Fall of Warness, Orkney.MINESTO
Dragon class tidal kite
Explores direct-drive alternatives for the D12 unit and Hestfjord array scale-up, with attention to efficiency, reliability and voltage architecture.
ORPC IRELAND
Optimor cross-flow turbine
Assesses the Hagnesia generator in ORPC’s Optimor system and future tidal farm scenarios, including design simplification and LCOE impact.
WORK PLAN
Eight work packages over four main project phases.
The programme moves from initial scoping to option appraisal, detailed design and impact studies, then aggregated impact and exploitation roadmapping.
Work packages
WP1 Project management
WP2 Generator system
WP3 Nova design and impact study
WP4 ORPC design and impact study
WP5 Minesto design and impact study
WP6 Aggregated impact studies
WP7 Communication, dissemination and exploitation
WP8 CETP reporting and knowledge community
Milestones
M3
High-level drivetrain specification and shortlisted tidal design studies
M9
Design selection and scope for impact studies
M17
Generator and converter prototype design ready
M24
Final design and impact studies
M29
Project ending, future exploitation and dissemination plan
WORK PLAN
Eight work packages over four main project phases.
The programme moves from initial scoping to option appraisal, detailed design and impact studies, then aggregated impact and exploitation roadmapping.
Work packages
WP1 Project management
WP2 Generator system
WP3 Nova design and impact
study
WP4 ORPC design and impact
study
WP5 Minesto design and
impact study
WP6 Aggregated impact
studies
WP7 Communication, dissem-
ination and exploitation
WP8 CETP reporting and
knowledge community
Milestones
M3
High-level drivetrain specification and shortlisted tidal design studies
M9
Design selection and scope for impact studies
M17
Generator and converter prototype design ready
M24
Final design and impact studies
M29
Project ending, future exploitation and dissemination plan
WORK PLAN
Eight work packages over four main project phases.
The programme moves from initial scoping to option appraisal, detailed design and impact studies, then aggregated impact and exploitation roadmapping.
Work packages
WP1 Project management
WP2 Generator system
WP3 Nova design and impact study
WP4 ORPC design and impact study
WP5 Minesto design and impact study
WP6 Aggregated impact studies
WP7 Communication, dissemination and exploitation
WP8 CETP reporting and knowledge community
Milestones
M3
High-level drivetrain specification and shortlisted tidal design studies
M9
Design selection and scope for impact studies
M17
Generator and converter prototype design ready
M24
Final design and impact studies
M29
Project ending, future exploitation and dissemination plan
CONSORTIUM
A transnational team across generator technology, modelling and tidal devices.
Hagnesia coordinates the project with support from the University of Edinburgh and three tidal technology developers whose devices provide complementary validation routes
Hagnesia Wind AB
Hagnesia is a Swedish technology company developing compact, lightweight and resource-efficient motors and generators for renewable power production and electrified drivetrains.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Coordinator; generator and converter technology development.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a leading research university with strong engineering and energy systems expertise, including modelling of marine and offshore renewable energy systems.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Aggregated impact studies, electrical architecture and open modelling
Nova Innovation
Nova Innovation is a Scottish tidal energy technology company developing and operating seabed-mounted tidal turbines and tidal array projects.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Tidal turbine case study and device-array design assessment.
ORPC Ireland
ORPC Ireland is part of ORPC, a marine renewable energy company developing water-power systems for predictable electricity from free-flowing rivers and tides.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Cross-flow turbine case study and innovation evaluation framework.
Minesto AB
Minesto is a Swedish marine energy company whose subsea kite technology generates electricity from predictable tidal streams and ocean currents.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Tidal kite case study and integration roadmap for Dragon-class devices.
b
CONSORTIUM
A transnational team across generator technology, modelling and tidal devices.
Hagnesia coordinates the project with support from the University of Edinburgh and three tidal technology developers whose devices provide complementary validation routes
Hagnesia Wind AB
Hagnesia is a Swedish technology company developing compact, lightweight and resource-efficient motors and generators for renewable power production and electrified drivetrains.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Coordinator; generator and converter technology development.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a leading research university with strong engineering and energy systems expertise, including modelling of marine and offshore renewable energy systems.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Aggregated impact studies, electrical architecture and open modelling
Nova Innovation
Nova Innovation is a Scottish tidal energy technology company developing and operating seabed-mounted tidal turbines and tidal array projects.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Tidal turbine case study and device-array design assessment.
ORPC Ireland
ORPC Ireland is part of ORPC, a marine renewable energy company developing water-power systems for predictable electricity from free-flowing rivers and tides.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Cross-flow turbine case study and innovation evaluation framework.
Minesto AB
Minesto is a Swedish marine energy company whose subsea kite technology generates electricity from predictable tidal streams and ocean currents.
ROLE IN TIDALGEN
Tidal kite case study and integration roadmap for Dragon-class devices.
b
PUBLIC DISSEMINATION
A project page designed to grow with TidaLGen
The proposal commits to public communication, CETPartnership reporting and knowledge-community activity. This section can host public project outputs as they are released.
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Project web page and visual profile
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Open tidle device and array model
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Tidal impact assessment towards 2030 and 2050
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CETP publishable factsheets and final reporting
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Workshop on electrical architectures for tidal arrays
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Generic design and impact study
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Workshop on applying the IEA-OES innovation evaluation frame work
FUNDING AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Supported through the Clean Energy Transition Partnership
This page includes the CETPartnership logo, EU emblem, funding acknowledgement and project overview required by the CETPartnership communication guidelines.
RELEVANT FUNDING ORGANISATIONS
This research was funded by CETPartnership, the Clean Energy Transition Partnership under the 2024 joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission (GA No. 101069750) and with the funding organizations detailed on