Duchy of Lancaster has granted exclusivity rights to Natural Energy Wyre to build a tidal barrage across the river Wyre, Lancashire, UK.
Natural Energy Wyre, the developer behind Wyre Tidal Barrage, can now proceed with the funding and planning application stage for the Wyre Tidal Barrage project.
The project worth £200 mln will be built on Wyre estuary, owned by the Queen in her role as the Duke of Lancaster.
The annual output of the plant is estimated to be 150 GW/h, with six turbines installed in the barrage covering the 600 m span of the mouth of the river.
According to Natural Energy Wyre, the project will now move forward with securing £10 mln of stage one funding which is necessary for full completion of the planning application.
The construction is anticipated to take three years before the Wyre Tidal Barrage will be fully functional, producing renewable energy four times a day, on the turn of the tide, for over 100 years.
The planned site is located on the Lancashire coast, between the industrial town of Fleetwood to the west, and the small rural village of Knott End to the east.
Bob Long , Managing Director of Natural Energy Wyre, said: “This is great news for all local people, on both sides of the river and beyond, a real opportunity to be involved in helping the UK become less dependent on imported energy and the burning of fossil fuels.”
Graeme Chalk , Head of Project Management for The Duchy of Lancaster, added: “This project reflects the Duchy’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the use of renewable energy. We look forward to working with the team at Natural Energy Wyre as they take this project forward to deliver the full range of benefits proposed. Once planning and development issues have been resolved, the tidal barrage will provide a source of green and affordable energy for many years to come.”
The project is backed by Wyre Council, Lancashire County Council, Arup, Lancaster University, Andritz Hydro, Hyder, as well as the Duchy of Lancaster, Natural Energy Wyre’s press release reads.
[mappress mapid=”493″]
Image: Natural Energy Wyre