Tidal Energy Ltd. Secures USD 18 M Funding for Wales’ First Full Scale Tidal Power Device (UK)

Wales’ first full scale tidal stream energy generator will be deployed in 2012, having secured £6.4M support from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. First Minister Carwyn Jones announced the funding for Tidal Energy Ltd’s 1.2MW DeltaStream device on a visit to Pembrokeshire’s Ramsey Sound, the site consented for the demonstration project by the Welsh Government and the Department of Energy and Climate Change earlier this year.

In total, Tidal Energy Ltd has secured £11M to manufacture and deploy the DeltaStream demonstration device, the balance being provided by majority shareholder Eco2 Ltd. Cranfield University, who for the past 3 years have provided specialist design support to the project, will continue their research and development work and will play a role in the deployment of the device, overseeing operational performance.

Invented by Pembrokeshire engineer Richard Ayre, DeltaStream sits on the sea bed without the need for a positive anchoring system. It generates electricity from three separate horizontal axis turbines mounted on a common frame. The device – which will provide a sustainable source of electricity to homes in the city of St Davids during its 12 month demonstration period – has been designed to be easily installed, with minimal impact on the environment.

In its 2010 Low Carbon Energy Policy Statement, the Welsh Government suggested that the deployment of tidal and wave devices off the nation’s 1200km coastline could provide as much as 4000 MW of clean, predictable electricity, with the ambition of this being installed by 2025.

Announcing the funding, the First Minister said:

“Investing in renewable energy technologies is vital to build a low carbon economy and help drive forward Wales’ ambitions to become a more sustainable nation. We are committed to promoting the generation of clean electricity while protecting our natural environment.

“There is huge potential for marine energy in Wales and projects like DeltaStream will not only help meet our energy targets, but will provide further opportunities for local communities as well as businesses, creating both environmental and economic benefits.”

Managing Director of Tidal Energy Ltd, Martin Murphy, said:

“This funding announcement comes at a pivotal stage in the project, and will provide Wales with a unique opportunity to develop and demonstrate a home-grown tidal stream technology.

“The next step for the scheme will be the manufacture of the DeltaStream device, ready for installation in 2012. Procurement for the fabrication and installation of DeltaStream is underway and the project will create a significant number of green jobs.”

Tidal Energy Ltd has been backed by renewable energy company Eco2 Ltd since 2008. Both businesses are chaired by serial entrepreneur, Peter Darwell.

Chief Executive of Eco2 Ltd, David Williams, said:

“This funding decision is crucial to the success of the project. We believe the DeltaStream device to be a world class product which combines innovative blade design with portability and high efficiency.”

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Source: tidalenergyltd, August 05, 2011;