Flex Marine Power: Democratizing Tidal Energy for Coastal Communities
Small-scale, modular turbines empower local workers to harness coastal tidal energy independently.
1Engineering Through Immersion
Engineer David Mummery developed the Swimmer Turbine concept after physically experiencing river turbulence. By swimming in fast-flowing waters, he gained insights into how small-scale generators could interact with marine environments. This tactile approach shifted his focus from massive, utility-scale infrastructure toward compact, efficient devices designed for localized, small-scale power generation needs.
2The Swimmer Turbine Design
The Swimmer Turbine is a 50kw tidal generator constructed from fiberglass and steel. Designed to be anchored to the sea floor, the device remains invisible beneath the surface. It is capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 30 homes, offering a discreet alternative to the large-scale arrays currently dominating Scottish waters.
3Modular Assembly Innovation
Unlike massive tidal projects requiring specialized heavy-lift equipment, the Swimmer Turbine functions like an assembly kit. Components arrive in a single shipping container, allowing local fishermen and workers to bolt the device together using standard tools. This modular design removes the dependency on expensive corporate infrastructure and large, specialized cranes.
4Learning from Industry History
Mummery previously worked on the 180-meter Pelamis wave power project, which entered administration in 2014. Observing the failure of such large-scale, capital-intensive technologies, he recognized that many innovative marine projects falter due to market disconnects. He pivoted his career to focus on accessible, community-led solutions that prioritize local operational control.
5Repurposing Industrial Heritage
To facilitate research, Mummery utilized former shipyards in Greenock, leveraging the region's shipbuilding history. This provided direct access to the River Clyde for sea trials. By converting abandoned industrial sheds into research spaces, he established a practical base for testing prototypes, eventually securing investment after successful trials near the island of Luing.
6Proof of Concept Success
In 2020, Mummery partnered with Queen's University Belfast for testing at Strangford Narrows. By transporting components in a shipping container and collaborating with local mariners, the team successfully installed a full-scale turbine. This milestone secured £968,000 from the UK government’s Energy Entrepreneurs Fund to develop a commercial-ready model for deployment.
7Empowering Local Coastal Teams
Recent testing on the island of Islay demonstrated the viability of community-led installation. Local fishermen used their own tractors and slipways to launch the turbine without external professional assistance. This validated Mummery’s vision of equipping coastal residents with the tools to manage their own energy production using local environmental knowledge.
8Future of Decentralized Power
Mummery plans to return to Islay next year to generate electricity for the island. By deploying multiple small, invisible tidal arrays owned by local stakeholders, he aims to prove that coastal communities can thrive using their own resources. This model shifts the power dynamic from centralized utilities to autonomous, community-managed energy systems.
Original article: BBC News — Flex Marine Power: Democratizing Tidal Energy for Coastal Communities