
05/11/2025
Japan has installed its first-ever megawatt-scale tidal energy turbine, the 1.1 MW AR1100, in the fast-flowing Naru Strait—marking a historic leap in ocean-powered clean energy.
Developed by Proteus Marine Renewables, the turbine uses sophisticated blade pitch and yaw control systems to capture energy from underwater tidal currents, which are driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
What makes this technology especially fascinating is its ability to generate electricity from the rise and fall of the tides, a completely predictable force that delivers power with clockwork precision—unlike wind or solar.
The AR1100 is connected to the local grid via subsea cable and will help power the Goto Islands, significantly reducing reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels.
This milestone places Japan at the forefront of marine energy innovation and underscores tidal power’s potential as a stable, long-term solution for coastal and island communities.