Kepler Energy is bringing forward plans for a 30MW tidal energy fence that will be located in the Bristol Channel.
The tidal energy technology, which will use the very latest carbon composite technology, has been developed by Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science for deployment in shallower, lower velocity tidal waters around the UK coastline but also in overseas waters.
Subject to planning and financing, the initial Bristol Channel 1km £143m tidal fence, which is likely to be located in the Aberthaw to Minehead stretch of water, could be operational by 2020/21.
Kepler Energy, which holds the exclusive global licence for the technology, is embarking on a funding round to take forward the project through the development phase and the planning process. Whilst the technology is regarded as environmentally benign, it will be subject to a rigorous environmental impact assessment during the planning process to ensure that it bears no significant risk to marine life and other users of the sea.
Since its establishment in 2010, Kepler Energy has received assistance from Altran, Gurit, Mojo Maritime, GE, Royal Haskoning and other companies to develop its technology and explore sites where its tidal turbine technology could be deployed.
Given its tidal flows and proximity to electrical infrastructure, Kepler considers the Bristol Channel to be an ideal location for its first scheme. The first phase of the tidal fence scheme will be up to a 1 kilometre long. Kepler believes that its tidal fences in the future could be 10km or longer.
Kepler has shared its outline plans with a range of stakeholders including the Department of Energy & Climate Change, the Welsh Government, The Crown Estate and Bristol City Council. It will embark on a wider stakeholder consultation programme later this year.