The Crown Estate confirmed plans to run a leasing process for projects that capture tidal range energy which will start later in summer 2014.
Dr Ian Selby, Head of Minerals and Infrastructure at The Crown Estate said: “We have tested the market appetite for tidal range energy in England and Wales and now believe there is sufficient interest to move to a leasing round for tidal range.
“We hope this process will facilitate one or more projects that demonstrate the commercial feasibility of generating renewable electricity from tidal range energy.”
The proposed leasing process will offer the opportunity to secure seabed rights for projects within the area as identified by DECC’s Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment 2, 2011, which relates to English and Welsh waters, excluding the Severn Estuary.