David Mummery, a mechanical engineer based in Scotland, conceived of an innovative tidal power device called the Swimmer Turbine after an immersive experience in a Highland river more than a decade ago. The 50-kilowatt generator, which can supply electricity to approximately 30 homes, is designed to operate on the seabed while remaining largely invisible beneath the water’s surface.
Mummery’s turbine distinguishes itself through its compact design and affordability compared to larger tidal energy installations operating in Scottish waters. While Scotland hosts world-leading tidal projects such as the MeyGen array in the Pentland Firth and Orbital O2 floating turbine near the Orkney Islands, these systems require substantial infrastructure and external expertise. In contrast, Mummery’s device can be assembled and deployed by local fishermen and harbor workers using modular components, similar to a furniture assembly kit.
Before launching Flex Marine Power in 2011, Mummery worked as a consultant on major energy projects, including a secondment on the Pelamis wave energy project in Orkney. His experience observing large-scale marine technology operations in small coastal communities prompted a strategic shift toward accessible, locally-manageable solutions. He recognized that traditional utility-scale equipment required external resources and expertise that local populations could not readily control.
Mummery established his company’s operations in converted shipyard facilities in Greenock, gaining direct access to the River Clyde for testing prototypes. He successfully conducted trials of an early model in 2015 on the island of Luing in the Firth of Lorn, securing significant investment and enabling company expansion the following year. The approach represents a departure from established marine energy development patterns, emphasizing community involvement and local capacity.
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