Welsh Finance Minister Jane Hutt AM has visited the proposed site for Wales’ first full-scale tidal energy generator in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire, ahead of its deployment next year.
Backed by EU funds of almost £8 million and pioneered by Cardiff-based Tidal Energy Ltd, the DeltaStream device will use tidal flows to generate clean electricity for homes in St Davids when it is installed in 2014 for an initial 12-month test period.
The visit included a tour of the deployment site, where Finance Minister Jane Hutt said: “By investing European funds in projects such as DeltaStream we can develop the latest innovative and renewable energy technologies that will provide lasting benefits to people and communities in Wales. This EU funding will not only provide economical and sustainable electricity to homes across St. Davids and help meet Wales’ renewable energy targets for reducing carbon emissions, but will also create new jobs to support the local economy.”
The DeltaStream device comprises three independent 400kW turbines mounted on a triangular seabed frame which will generate energy from both the flood and ebb of the tide. One 400kW turbine will be installed in Ramsey Sound early next year, with the potential to it becoming a full-scale device in 2015.
Martin Murphy, Managing Director of Tidal Energy Ltd said: “We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to show the Finance Minister the site, and to demonstrate how the project will work in this impressive Pembrokeshire location.
“We are very grateful for all the support we have received from the European Regional Development Fund. The funding has enabled us to develop this project here in Wales, generate green jobs and be at the forefront of the growth of the marine renewables industry.”
Tidal Energy Ltd is backed by Welsh renewable energy company Eco2 Ltd, which has developed projects in biomass, wind and landfill gas.
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Press release, August 14, 2013; Image: Tidal Energy Ltd