DeltaStream Testing Project: EIA Non-Technical Summary - Click here to download

The full Environmental Statement can be viewed at the below locations or purchased from TEL

The Clerk
St David’s City Council
The City Hall
High Street
St David’s
SA62 6SD

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
Llanion Park
Pembroke Dock
Pembrokeshire
SA72 6DY

Pembrokeshire County Council
County Hall
Haverfordwest
SA61 1TP

Funding breakthrough for Wales’ first tidal power device

WAG Press Release

26th July 2010

A unique project that will develop innovative technology to test clean electricity generation from the tides off the West Wales coast is to receive a 1.4m GBP EU funding package boost, Environment Minister, Jane Davidson announced today.

The money will be spent on a feasibility study to develop DeltaStream technology and assess the suitability of a site in West Wales for tidal stream testing. It will be backed with 572,000 GBP from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.

As part of the package Tidal Energy Limited, the Company behind the technology, will be able to carry out site surveys, environmental assessments and design work at the proposed demonstration site at Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire.

The demonstration project will last for 12 months and during that period will provide a sustainable source of electricity to the people of St Davids.

It is expected that the funding will lead to the deployment of a full-scale prototype device in 2011.

Speaking about the funding, the Minister said:

“Earlier this year I launched our energy policy statement A Low Carbon Revolution which outlines that Wales has the potential to produce nearly twice the amount of electricity it currently uses, through wholly renewable sources by 2025.

“Developing renewable technologies is vital if we are to drive forward Wales’ ambitions to become a more sustainable nation and meet our energy targets.

“I am delighted that this innovative offshore project will be the first of its kind in Wales, demonstrating how Wales can lead the way in our commitment to produce clean, renewable energy for the benefit of our communities and, in turn, tackle climate change.”

The technology will be assembled at a local quay and lowered to the seabed following connection to a subsea cable. Once installed it has a generating capacity of 1.2MW and has been specifically designed to be sensitive to the local environment.

Managing Director of Tidal Energy Ltd, Martin Murphy said:

“This funding is crucial to the success of the project, particularly in the current financial climate, and with the support and encouragement from the Welsh Assembly, we hope to develop a valuable, sustainable business that will not only provide a predictable source of renewable energy, but also initiate a business that could lead to the generation of a number of green jobs.

This decision by the Welsh Assembly shows its commitment to developing renewable energy technology and its willingness to support home-grown entrepreneurial activity to put Wales on the map for marine renewables in the UK.”

DeltaStream was conceived in Pembrokeshire by local Marine engineer, Richard Ayre, following initial funding from European Structural Funds in 2002.

Chris Williams - Development Director of Tidal Energy Ltd, said of the technology: “As well as being environmentally friendly, DeltaStream has been designed to be easily installed and removed.  It does not involve any piling or preparation of the seabed.”

Tidal Energy Limited is backed by Cardiff based renewable energy company Eco2 Limited. Eco2 is Wales’ largest renewable development company and develops projects in biomass, wind and landfill gas.

Chief Executive of Eco2 Ltd - David Williams said: “Tidal power provides a great opportunity to help Wales and the UK Government meet its renewable energy targets. However, investment and commitment is required now to make sure that Wales does not fall behind activity being carried out elsewhere. That is why attaining this funding is so crucial at this time.”

Hunt for new forms of energy turns to seabed

The Mail on Sunday, by Tom McGhie

25th July 2010

An underwater tidal version of a wind farm is to be developed with the help of a 500,000 GBP grant from the Welsh Assembly.

This new form of green energy could over decades provide sustainable power to light up more than two million homes.

The grant, which is expected to be the first in a series of investments by the Welsh Assembly, will be made to Cardiff based Tidal Energy [Ltd]. The money will help to develop a prototype turbine powered by the force of the tides.

The devices will be situated on the seabed off Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire.

If trials go well, Tidal Energy plans by 2013 to expand the farm to ten times its initial size.

Jane Davidson, Welsh Assembly Minister for the Environment, said: “We think tidal energy offers a massive investment opportunity. It will go a long way to achieving the target of ten per cent of power coming from renewable sources by 2025.”

Shape of things to come

Recharge News, By Darius Snieckus

23rd July 2010

A triangular three-headed tidal turbine device is vying to become the first of its kind in the water

Plans are picking up pace at Tidal Energy Limited (TEL) to install an almost-full scale version of its DeltaStream tidal turbine in the fast-moving waters of Wales’ Ramsey Sound, with deployment of the three-headed device slated for late next summer.

Starting from a small-scale prototype first tested in 2002, the Cardiff-based company has managed to translate seed capital - secured in 2007 from renewable-energy development funds Eco2 and Carbon Connections - into a 1.2MW concept now ready for manufacture.

“Most of the last three years has been spent developing the technology to the point where we are content to commit to manufacture,” states TEL managing director Martin Murphy. “We’ve taken a holistic approach to the design - it is not just the device, it’s the manufacture, the assembly process and the installation-deployment-recovery concept.”

TEL’s 300-tonne DeltaStream device is made up of a trio of tidal turbines mounted on the corners of a triangular gravity-base foundation. At full scale it will use 15-metre-diameter fixed-pitch carbon-fibre-composite rotors to reach its nameplate capacity, but 12-metre-diameter models will first be installed at its year-long trials.

“Because there are so many unknowns in what is a harsh environment, we are taking the conservative approach of installing the smaller rotor to start,” states Murphy. “The engineering is rugged, it’s robust, it’s agricultural - it has to be.

“Even with a smaller-scale version, the output generated would leave us with too many uncertainties, so starting with a full-scale frame but a reduced diameter turbine - which has about 65% of the capacity of the full-rated turbine - will move us ahead and get us the answers we need for commercialisation.”

The 12-metre rotor will be swapped with a 15-metre one “if all goes smoothly”.

Marrying wind turbine and ship propeller technology, the machine’s geared 400kW turbines have been designed for rotational speeds of under 10rpm in a mean spring tide, with a blunt-blade design to shed excess power in order to ensure consistently high energy conversion.

In line with a philosophy of using off-the-shelf technology wherever possible, TEL opted for asynchronous gearbox-driven generation, with gear hubs and shafts filled with bio-degradable oil, and the flow of seawater through the nacelle working as a coolant. The turbines are bi-directional, pivoting with the turning tide.

“The current speeds [of the tide] are around six knots [three metres per second] so it is not as fast-flowing as some of the areas up in the Pentland Firth, acknowledges Murphy. “But it is perfect for our device. Still, a turbine like this is more than just about extracting the laminar [turbulence-free] flow from the tidal stream; it has to be built to withstand the effects of the surface waves and the turbulence associated with high tidal flow too.”

The lightweight, tubular steel foundation is built around an equilateral triangle frame measuring 38 metres along each side. This design gives the DeltaStream a low centre of gravity, making it possible to deploy the machine without a positive anchoring system, while meeting structural stability requirements needed to avoid overturning and sliding in the current.

According to a case study from backer Carbon Connection, each machine could flow an average 5.5-7.7GWh over 20 years, power enough for 1,000 homes.

Ramsey Sound was selected as the pilot site after TEL was told that all the slots at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, Scotland, were full. But while the Sound meets all of TEL’s criteria - including being free from trawling and commercial shipping - it has a delicate ecology that has prompted a far-reaching environmental impact assessment. Consideration is being shown to local seal and porpoise populations, while the export cable route avoids the area’s Common Mussel beds.

“This is a 12-month trial. We want to learn how the device operates, what its performance characteristics and envelope are, and at the same time closely monitor what impact it has on the environment,” says Murphy.

“After the testing period, we are committed to returning the site to its ‘as before’ condition.

“The development of our site has been as important a part of our technology as the development of the technology proper.”

TEL’s environmental surveys are “continuing now even after we have put in our environmental statement and they will continue when we are in the water and when we come out”.

Though power generation during the upcoming testing phase is “not for commercial gain”, notes Murphy, the grid-connected device would “greatly contribute” to the energy demand of a community like St Davids - Britain’s smallest city, where the grid will take the generated power.

If all goes to plan, the flagship DeltaStream will be lowered by crane barge next summer through 31.5 metres of water onto its chosen spot on a shelf of flat bedrock, with two sinkers employed to aid in anchoring the structure’s lifting bridle and electricity cable. Power will flow ashore to grid connection via an 11kV subsea line.

Having been granted the acreage from the Crown Estate, TEL is now in the “final stages of determination” with the Department of Energy and Climate Change for an operating licence at the installation site. The company’s project timeline calculates 15 months from getting the go-ahead from the UK authorities through to start-up of the first DeltaStream turbine.

“While the device is very simple, the execution of the wider project - including the dealing with the regulators - is necessarily quite complex,” stresses Murphy.

Some 13 contracts covering fabrication of the component parts, turbine assembly and system installation are waiting for TEL to push the button. The company expects to have all contractors signed up by the end of the year.

“We have a very clearly prioritised programme addressing what needs to come first - we have long-lead items such as the subsea cables, gearboxes and generators that we would like to get ordered,” says Murphy.

“This has become very much a Welsh project run by a Welsh company.

“As it has emerged, the technology is now looking like a pioneering concept.”

New website aims to turn the tide on energy in Pembrokeshire

Milford Mercury

15th July 2010

A website has been launched to showcase Pembrokeshire’s expertise in marine renewable energy with the aim of attracting new projects to the area.

The site - www.marineenergypembrokeshire.co.uk - has been set up by the newly established partnership Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP).

It is a one-stop shop for developers looking for contacts and information on consenting requirements, available research and information, and onshore support services. The website, launched by Assembly Minister for environment, sustainability and housing, Jane Davidson, also includes details of projects looking to develop off the county’s shores, including Wave Dragon’s wave energy converter, the tidal stream turbines being developed by Tidal Energy Ltd and the wave energy parks being investigated by Marine Energy Ltd.

MEP hopes to establish Pembrokeshire as a centre of excellence for the development and exploitation of marine generated energy and make a significant contribution to the region’s transition to low carbon and its economic regeneration.

MEP chairman, Dr Miles Willis, said: “The Pembrokeshire coast has tremendous wave and tidal stream potential, the Milford Haven waterway has all the port facilities and road links a developer could need, and grid connections are good.”

“We have a great opportunity here to nurture a high value added-economy by capitalising on an emerging industry, and the new website is designed to highlight to potential developers the vast knowledge, infrastructure and skills we have.”

Ms Davidson added: “Wales has a lot to offer on marine renewables and I welcome MEP’s ambitions to put Pembrokeshire at the forefront of its exploitation in Wales.”

http://www.milfordmercury.co.uk/news/8274219.New_website_aims_to_turn_the_tide_on_energy/

Mixed Welsh reaction to green bank report

By Chris Kelsey, Western Mail

3rd July 2010

PROPOSALS for a new public bank to mobilise the half trillion pound investment needed to make Britain a low carbon economy have received a mixed welcome from businesses and green groups in Wales this week.

In a report published earlier this week the Green Investment Bank (GIB) Commission estimated that 550bn GBP could be required for investment in supply chains and infrastructure in order to meet UK climate change and renewable energy targets between now and 2020.

The independent commission, initially set up by then Shadow Chancellor George Osborne in February, said a new public financial institution would be needed to unlock the investment required.

The report points to a number of barriers - insufficient capacity in the debt capital markets, perceived risk around policy support frameworks, risk around the new technologies being rolled out and difficulties with financing large numbers of smaller projects - that have made financing low carbon infrastructure at the scale and speed required to meet carbon targets unachievable.

And it recommends that the current range of Government-funded organisations and initiatives that aim to support climate change objectives be rationalised to help provide the new bank with the resources and expertise it would need.

David Williams, chief executive of Cardiff-based renewable energy business Eco2, said he thought the report was “generally very positive and very much needed.”

But he added that he was “very worried that all of the funds and quangos would be brought together as one, particularly because some have been extremely bad at getting money to projects.

“For example, the Marine Renewable Development Fund was completely unspent.

“I also feel that the quangos have been prone to some blinkered thinking and if you look at technology support there is a constant feeling that first is best,” he added.

He said he did not agree with the Commission that “most of the expertise at an operating level already exists within government.”

And he added: “Considering biomass has the hardest time in raising finance and it is set to consist of a third of 2020 capacity, it gets very little mention and no prioritisation.”

The Carbon Trust is one of the Government-funded bodies that could have its functions brought under wings of the new bank.

Commission head Bob Wigley said: “Some of the best ideas in this report come from the Carbon Trust, and I hope they could be at the heart of a green investment bank.”

A spokesman for the Carbon Trust in Wales said: “The Carbon Trust looks forward to continuing to deliver towards helping the UK reach its carbon reduction targets and continues to grow its work in accelerating the move to a low carbon economy.

“Crucially the Carbon Trust’s effectiveness increases as it leverages in further private sector investment and this is a core success factor for its activities.

“The Wigley Report is an independent contribution to an ongoing debate about the challenges we face in financing a sustainable future for the UK, a debate which will develop over the coming months.

“The Carbon Trust welcomes contributions to how the UK business community can best invest in a low carbon future and will continue to make the case for cost effective solutions to the biggest environmental challenge we face - tackling climate change.”

Gordon James, of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said he welcomed the fact the report stresses the need to set up a green investment bank.

“It ties in with the Committee on Climate Change report this week that says we’re not doing enough to address climate change,” he said.

“There needs to be better co-ordination of all the schemes taking place. The report could lead to a better functioning system with fewer quangos and better funding.”

He said he was concerned however that it could be used by the Coalition Government as a cost-cutting and quango cutting exercise without establishing an adequate replacement body.

“But what Wigley says is sensible.

“We’re pleased that he recognises the important role the Carbon Trust plays and that will be retained to enable industry to switch to green economy.

“We want to make sure this is done quickly, with a sense of urgency. The priorities must be energy efficiency and renewables and funding must be found.

“The funding recommended by Wigley is way in excess of what Alastair Darling recommended in his last Budget, and the bank must have a sound legal basis.”

Kim Bryan, spokesperson for the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), said: “We have the lifetime of this new parliament to break Britain’s fossil fuel addiction.

“The green investment bank is a much needed initiative to build the funds for a transition to a low carbon future, which will not only tackle climate change but also create economic and energy security and provide new green jobs.

“This is the first positive news we have seen coming out of the new Con-Lib coalition which has promised to be the ‘greenest government’ ever.

“However the strength of these new proposals will only be as effective as a government who is prepared to implement the policies needed to support the transition to a low carbon economy.”

Tidal Energy Ltd to Test Tidal Stream Energy Device

WORLD TRADE 100

April 2010

GREEN MATTERS

The DeltaStream device will sit on the seabed in a strategic, deepwater location that is close to the mainland and a suitable grid connection. A barge will be used to lift and place the DeltaStream in the water and a second one will be used to lay the subsea cables to shore.

DeltaStream is built on a triangular frame that has 3 tidal stream turbines, made up of the nacelle, hub, and blade on each of the triangle’s points. When the rotors are turned by the tidal flow, the combined generation capacity is up to 1.2 MW of electricity. Electricity will be brought ashore from three DeltaStream subsea cables, which will be laid on the seabed as a single bundle.

According to the Carbon Trust, tidal stream energy is ready to become a significant provider of clean energy for the UK and other countries. Some 15 to 20 percent of the UK’s electricity demand could come from renewable marine energy sources.

Under proposed new EU rules, the UK is required to achieve a ten-fold increase in the energy it derives from renewable resources by 2050.

Warm support for tidal energy plans 02.12.09

Western Telegraph

AS THE prospect of tidal energy in St Davids draws closer, residents have been given the chance to consult, first-hand, with the company proposing to bring it to the area.

Tidal Energy Ltd held a two day exhibition in Curtis House last month, when representatives were on hand to answer queries or concerns from the general public.

“It’s important to us that we make every effort to listen to local people,” said managing director Martin Murphy.

He said feedback from the public had been positive, and the company had received “warm support” for the project.

Development director Chris Williams said the fact the company had completed full risk assessments meant there had been few concerned queries.

“Local people seem to have a great understanding of this project,” he said.

“We’ve recently completed a detailed navigational assessment and have handed out documents providing people with all the information they need about the project.”

The company is currently making preparations to issue the building tender for the tidal energy converter, and Mr Williams said it was important to liaise with local people and employ the right contractor.

Derek Vaughan, a member of the European Parliament, AM Paul Davies and MP Mari Rees, all attended the exhibition and expressed their support.

The DeltaStream device is set to be connected to the distribution network at St Justinian’s for a trial period of 12 months. It is expected to be able to generate up to 1.2MW of electricity when the rotors are turned by tidal flow.

For more information on the DeltaStream project copies of the full environmental statement are available from St Davids City Hall, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority or visit www.tidalenergyltd.com

Wales-Invented Tidal Stream Technology Backed By Community

International Business Wales (IBW) Newsletter

December 2009

Renewable energy company Tidal Energy Limited - which has proposed Wales’ first marine renewables test site off the coast of Pembrokeshire - has announced 97% of local people who attended their public exhibition are in support of the project.

The exhibition - which was held over 20th-21st November - revealed that the majority of attendees supported the 12 month test site project at Ramsey Sound, St. Davids, with 100% supporting renewable energy in general.

At the event, Cardiff-based Tidal Energy presented the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment, produced following rigorous surveys carried out by independent experts. This covers areas including bird life, marine mammals, ecology, tourism and navigation.

The site has been chosen by the company to test its Pembrokeshire-invented DeltaStream unit, which employs the ocean tidal streams to generate clean electricity. The unit has been designed to operate on the seabed and minimise the impact on the environment and sea-life.

Chris Williams, Development Director at Tidal Energy Ltd said: “We have been encouraged by the levels of support received from the community, reflecting the foresight of the local people in their recognition that climate change is an extremely pressing subject. The consultation process enables us to develop a project that is sensitive to the specifics of the area, and we encourage anyone with questions about the project to get in touch.

“St. Davids is perfectly placed to embrace the fight against global warming. This test site will pave the way for tidal power to become a major form of renewable energy - it is one of the newest and most exciting forms of green electricity generation. Unlike many other renewable technologies, it is both invisible and reliable - attributes that have been recognised by exhibition attendees as very important.”

Martin Murphy, Managing Director at Tidal Energy said: “We have a passion for Wales’ ownership of the DeltaStream development, from its conception by my Pembrokeshire-based colleague Richard Ayre, to its testing at St. Davids.

“The Ramsey Sound project will be a temporary 12 month testing, during which time one DeltaStream unit will be generating electricity at the site. This is an essential step in the realisation of our technology as a forerunner in the marine renewables sector, with its simple, proven design features and elements including slow-moving, blunt turbine blades specially intended to minimise any impact on sea life. DeltaStream will make a very valuable contribution to national renewable energy targets, and we are proud to be pioneering such an exciting Welsh technology.”

www.ibwales.com

Tidal Energy Ltd exhibits DeltaStream at Curtis House, St Davids 20.11.09

Western Telegraph

An innovative new system to generate renewable energy from the Pembrokeshire seabed goes on public display in St Davids this afternoon (Friday).

Welsh Renewable Energy company Tidal Energy Ltd is holding a public exhibition for its DeltaStream project at St Davids today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday).

The company is planning to conduct a year-long test of the DeltaStream device at Ramsey Sound in the future.

Planning permission has already been granted for a power conversion compound which would be installed in the car park at St Justinians which would be connected to a DeltaStream generator during the trial.

Invented by Pembrokeshire engineer Richard Ayre, DeltaStream sits on the sea bed and uses tidal currents to generate clean electricity. It has been designed to minimise the impact on the environment and sea life.

Chris Williams, development director of Tidal Energy said: “Following our previous exhibitions in March, the next public exhibition is to update the local community on the project, and particularly to discuss and explain the findings of the environmental assessments.

“We will be displaying the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment, produced following rigourous surveys conducted by relevant experts. Areas that have been assessed are far-reaching, ranging from bird life, to mammals, tourism and ecology.

“We invite anyone with an interest in the project to come along and talk with us about the details of the proposed 12-month test.”

The exhibition - which is free and open to all - will be held from 2pm to 5pm on Friday 20th November and 10am to 2pm on Saturday 21st November, at Curtis House, Bryn Road, St. Davids.

For more information visit www.tidalenergyltd.com

Tidal Energy releases non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement 17.11.09

Tidal Today

Cardiff-based Tidal Energy Ltd has released non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement (ES) which has been prepared in support of applications made by the company under the Food and Environment Protection Act (1985), Coastal Protection Act (1949) and Section 36 of the Electricity Act (1989), for a demonstration tidal stream energy device, DeltaStream, to be installed in Ramsey Sound off the Pembrokeshire coast, West Wales.

Taken together these applications, the offshore consent, represent TEL’s bid for consent to install and operate DeltaStream in Ramsey Sound. DeltaStream is a tidal stream energy device which is to be located in deep water (at least 31.5m) approximately 1.2km from St Justinian’s, Pembrokeshire.

The application and supporting information has been prepared following consultation with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA), Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (PCNP), appropriate statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as local interest groups and the public.

The ES considers the potential impacts on the environment of the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases of the project and provides details of any mitigation required to address any impacts.

It has been recognised that Ramsey Sound is sensitive in terms of its ecology and is designated for a number of international and national conservation designations including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Detailed assessments of potential effects of the device and infrastructure on the habitats and species protected by these designations have been carried out.

DeltaStream: http://social.tidaltoday.com/search/node/DeltaStream

Green energy efforts impress 04.11.09

Western Telegraph

By Lauren Broome

WELSH Labour leadership candidate Huw Lewis, AM for Merthyr Tydfil, visited Pembrokeshire last week to discuss climate change, and jobs in Wales.

Mari Rees, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Preseli Pembrokeshire, welcomed Mr Lewis to Pembroke, saying it was important for the party to address green issues.

Talking about his approach to renewable energy, Mr Lewis said: “To make meaningful progress on tackling climate change we cannot afford to wait until every energy system of renewable energy provision is perfect, we have to make clear choices on the technology we have available today, whilst continuing with research and development.”

Overall Mr Lewis was very pleased with the work being done in Pembrokeshire to tackle climate change.

He said: “The work being done here in Pembrokeshire by Tidal Energy Ltd could herald a massive breakthrough in how Wales responds to future energy requirements.”

Speaking after the meeting Mari Rees said: “I’m really glad Huw made the visit today - he is right to highlight the potential of Pembrokeshire leading the green revolution in Wales.

“I hope that by maximising the clean energy solutions Pembrokeshire has to offer, we can also create many more high quality jobs in the area.”

Pembrokeshire-invented tidal stream technology receives encouraging feedback

St Davids Newsletter November 2009

The Welsh renewable energy company behind proposals to install its demonstration tidal power technology at Ramsey Sound has published the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment.

The document has been produced following rigorous surveys carried out by independent experts, covering areas including bird life, marine mammals, ecology, tourism and navigation.

The results have been published in “DeltaStream Demonstration, Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire, Environmental Statement October 2009”, and are available for public viewing in St Davids City Hall.

Chris Williams, Development Director at Tidal Energy Ltd said: “We have been encouraged by the findings of the assessments, affording us an in-depth understanding of the potential impact that the demonstration project may have on the local area. These findings are extremely important - in essence it gauges the acceptability of a project, so we are delighted to have received such positive results. Ramsey Sound is an area of great beauty, environmental biodiversity and significance to St Davids and the wider area. As a Welsh company with significant links in Pembrokeshire we endeavour to preserve this natural richness and following the findings of the Environmental Assessment hope to add to the local benefits by developing a technology to combat climate change. It is our intention to continue surveys throughout the project to monitor and mitigate any changes in the environment.”

He added “We feel strongly that the local community remains fully informed at each stage of our project. We have held a second exhibition in the city, as well as distributing our free newsletter, which summarises the results of the Assessments to local shops and establishments. We have published an official summary of EIA findings on our website. As always, we encourage anyone with queries to get in contact with us directly.”

A Pembrokeshire-born Invention

The DeltaStream technology was conceived by local engineer Richard Ayre of Little Haven in 2003.

Whilst working in the National Park, Richard recognised that the tidal currents beneath the sea’s surface are a vast and untapped source of energy. With ensuing sponsorship from the Welsh Assembly Government, he first identified the Ramsey Sound site after he carried out his initial tests in the Cleddau Estuary.

With 34 years experience project managing marine civil projects, he has developed major expertise in creating structures which work in the sea and the skills to install and maintain them.

Tidal Energy Ltd is keen to ensure St Davids benefits from the project. As the technology develops to full production, the company would hope to establish manufacturing in Pembrokeshire, which they envisage will create a boost to the economy with a significant number of jobs in the area.

Full copies of Tidal Energy Ltd’s Environmental Statement are available for viewing at St Davids City Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Pembrokeshire County Council. Copies can be purchased from the company directly.

St Davids tidal power station compound approved 24.09.09

Western Telegraph online

The prospect of renewable energy in St Davids is drawing closer after an application to install a power conversion compound at St Justinians was approved last week.

Tidal Energy Ltd was successful in their planning application to install a power conversion compound in the car park of the RNLI car park at St Justinians.

They will connect the compound to a DeltaStream generator that will be trialed for twelve months on the seabed of Ramsey Sound.

It is estimated that each DeltaStream unit will power 1,000 homes.

The proposals were unanimously passed last Wednesday at a National Parks Development Management Committee meeting.

Prior to the meeting the National Park consulted with St Davids City Council, the Countryside Council for Wales and Environment Agency Wales but received no objections to the proposals.

New wave for energy project

Western Telegraph 16.09.09

By Fraser Watson

The arrival of a unique renewable energy project in St Davids is set to draw a step closer today (Wednesday).

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee is meeting to discuss proposals to install a power conversion compound at the RNLI car park at St Justinians.

The compound will connect with a test tidal energy generator project that would be trailed for 12 months on the seabed in Ramsey Sound.

The application has been made by tidal company Tidal Energy Ltd, and development director Chris Williams said the location of the compound was chosen after careful consideration.

“We are hopeful that our application for on-shore works will be approved,” he said.

“The site has been chosen following full ecological and archaeological surveys of the area, all of which have concluded there will be no significant impact on the surrounding environment.”

He added the application had been timed in order to avoid any temporary work during peak periods of tourism and recreation.

If installed, the generator would be situated between Ramsey Island and the mainland, and create enough power to light 1,000 homes per unit.

Mayor of St Davids, Councillor Stephanie Halse, said she was ‘very excited’ by the proposals.

“At the council we are always happy to explore new ways of finding energy sources.

“It would be lovely if this project could go ahead and have a positive spin-off for St Davids in terms of the city’s energy provision.”

Cllr Halse also allayed fears that the project could have a detrimental effect on local wildlife and disrupt the fishing industry.

“Obviously we wouldn’t support anything that would put our fishermen or our environment in danger and I have been reassured from the information we’ve been sent.

“It seems the turbine will spin very slowly and I’m confident it won’t endanger lives.”

The power conversion compound itself would be built on a field that is used by lifeboat crew members for parking, but coxswain David John said he was confident it would not disrupt the station.

This Saturday, DeltaStream representatives will be on hand at the Green Fayre, at the Picton Centre, in Haverfordwest. Following that, the company is holding a public exhibition in Curtis House, St Davids, on November 20^th and 21^st.

Carbon footprint reduction welcomed

Western Telegraph 16.09.09

Comment

IF THERE’S one thing that Pembrokeshire has in abundance, its wind and seawater, so it makes sense that revolutionary energy generation projects that will produce electricity from tide power should be trialled here.

Most people pay lip service to the idea that we need to explore alternative sources of energy and alternative ways of generating it - but the Nimby is alive and well and living locally.

We all agree that we need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but suggest siting a wind turbine in close proximity to most people’s back gardens and there’s outrage.

We want the benefits of alternative technology - just not any interruption to our views.

Which is why, it has to be hoped that DeltaStream’s pioneering project will work out. Situated on the seabed, it will have no visual impact, and, if the developers are to be believed, will have no detrimental effect on the marine inhabitants it will share a space with.

That remains to be seen - but so far all investigations have been basically positive.

Now that planning permission has been sought for the onshore part of the project, it has been moved on from being a great concept to something that should not only reduce Pembrokeshire’s carbon footprint, but which, will quite literally, light up St Davids.

Welsh Secretary at Technium

Pembrokeshire County Council website 11.09.09

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain was a visitor to Pembrokeshire Technium on Tuesday.

Mr Hain - who was accompanied by Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Nick Ainger - met representatives from a number of energy companies and viewed the Technium facilities in Pembroke Dock, including Swansea University’s Climate Change Research Centre.

Pembrokeshire is attracting significant interest from companies interested in renewable energy generation.

Companies present included Tidal Energy Limited (TEL) which has set up a scale model of a tidal energy device which they plan to test in Ramsey Sound.

Tidal power plans to go on display

Western Telegraph 12.08.09

A marine renewable energy company planning to test tidal power in Pembrokeshire has announced a programme of public appearances to showcase its green energy project.

Tidal Energy Ltd - which is proposing a temporary year-long test of its DeltaStream technology off the St Davids coast - will display its proposals at local events, with representatives from the company available to answer questions about their work in the area.

Martin Murphy, managing director of Tidal Energy, said: “We are looking forward to further engaging with the community at events this year. We were delighted that we had a really positive response from the many local people who came to see us at our public exhibition in March.

“We are thrilled to have received such strong support from the community - it is of great importance to us. We have a passion for Wales’ ownership of the DeltaStream development, from its conception by my Pembrokeshire-based colleague Richard Ayre, to its testing at St Davids.

“We continually endeavour to keep the local people informed of all developments.”

Chris Williams, development director at Tidal Energy, said: “A scale-model of DeltaStream has recently been tested in France. This exercise returned encouraging results, providing information that will optimise the efficiency of the turbine.”

The company is revamping its website, and will exhibit at the Really Wild Festival, St Davids, on September 5th and 6th. They will also be at the Transition Haverfordwest Green Fair on September 19th.

The date of a public exhibition in November is to be announced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKG6bshFkbM&feature=player_embedded

Renewable energy company plans further consultation with St David’s community

St David’s Newsletter August 2009

Marine Renewable energy company - Tidal Energy Ltd - has expressed thanks to the community at St David’s for the success of their public exhibitions in March, following the announcement of plans to test their DeltaStream tidal power technology off the coast of the city.

The site - at Ramsey Sound - has been chosen by the company for a year-long test of its Pembrokeshire-invented device, which employs the ocean tidal streams to generate clean electricity.

Martin Murphy, Managing Director of Tidal Energy said “The exhibition, held at the City Hall in March, was a great success: we had some excellent feedback from attendees and were encouraged by the engagement with local people. We would like to extend special thanks to St David’s City Council, who kindly hosted the event, as well as Pembrokeshire coastal Forum, and of course all those who took time to come along. We are planning another exhibition in November, and encourage anyone with questions about the project to attend. The community consultation process is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we will keep the people of St David’s informed of developments.”

Chris Williams, Development Director at Tidal Energy Ltd told St David’s Newsletter that the Environmental Impact Assessment, prepared in consultation with relevant experts and statutory consultees in areas such as ecology, marine mammals and fisheries, will be submitted shortly before the exhibition in November, and published on the company website.

He said “We are carrying out on-going environmental and site surveys at Ramsey Sound, and are pleased with the results. A scale model of our DeltaStream technology was recently tested in France by Cranfield University - one of our partners and an internationally renowned research establishment - along with the support of the Carbon Trust. The findings from the tests have provided the design team with the knowledge and technical information to optimise the efficiency of the turbine.”

Mr Williams added: “Our planning application for temporary onshore cabling and power conversion compound has now been submitted and we will be submitting offshore consent applications in October. Onshore preparatory works will be carried out this coming winter to ensure there is no interference with the tourist season, and we remain in constant communication with all interested parties in the locality.”

The company is proposing to deploy a single DeltaStream unit - featuring three generators which sit on a triangular frame, and can produce enough energy to supply 1,000 homes - for one year from the autumn of 2010.

Tidal Energy can be contacted via their website www.tidalenergyltd.com. Further details of the upcoming exhibition will appear in the next issue of the St David’s Newsletter.