Tidal energy developers are being invited to prepare expressions of interest in deploying their devices in the Morlais Tidal Energy Demonstration Zone off Anglesey.
The expressions of interest will be the first opportunity for developers to officially register their interest in deploying in the zone, which will be followed by a full application process in early 2016, according to Marine Energy Pembrokeshire. The process is expected to see a range of tidal arrays producing up to 30 MW each in the 35 square km zone.
Edwina Hart , Wales’ Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, said: “I welcome the progress being made by Morlais in encouraging and supporting this important sector of the Welsh economy. The Welsh Government is fully committed to seeing a thriving community of marine energy businesses operating off the coast of Wales and this is an important step forward in achieving that.”
Morlais is managed by Menter Môn which was appointed as the leaseholder by The Crown Estate in 2014.
Gerallt Llewelyn , the Menter Mon Managing Director, said: “Our role is to make the Morlais zone attractive to developers. We intend to do this by pursuing wholesale consent and providing grid infrastructure. If we are successful we are confident that Morlais will be one of the most sought after tidal energy sites in the world.”
According to the Welsh government, the area is considered to have one of the best tidal energy properties in the UK.
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