Tide turns

npower renewables and Bristol-based tidal power developers Marine Current Turbines (MCT) are to help deliver one of the world’s first commercial-scale tidal stream projects, off the coast of Anglesey, north Wales.

The tidal farm scheme would be capable of generating 10.5MW of power drawn entirely from the sea’s major tidal currents.

npower renewables and Marine Current Turbines will take forward the project through a newly created development company, SeaGen Wales.

It is proposed that the tidal stream project be sited in an area of 25 metre deep open sea known as the Skerries, off the north west coast of Anglesey, north Wales. The scheme will consist of seven 1.5MW SeaGen turbines, each likely to stand approximately nine metres above sea level.

Previous independent scoping studies have identified the Skerries as an ideal location for a tidal stream project, due to its favourable tidal conditions and natural shelter. The location benefits from good port facilities at Holyhead nearby, proximity to the National Grid facilitating good connection, and good transport links and access, to facilitate construction and maintenance.