The Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) off the south coast of the Isle of Wight aims to be operational by 2025, thanks to anticipated Government support and a partnership with the European Marine Energy Centre.
It is hoped that by placing tidal turbines in the sea around 1.5miles south of St Catherine’s Point, PTEC will generate enough clean electricity to power thousands of homes. The scheme originally received full consent back in 2016 – some 5 years ago – but has been delayed by a change in government policy.
On the shore, a substation will be built at Flowersbrook in Ventnor at 37.5m long and 12m wide. A planning application is due to be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council in the coming months.
It’s claimed that PTEC will enhance the Island’s growing reputation as a hub for renewable and sustainable innovation, securing a successful and prosperous future. It will also strengthen the economy and employment on the Isle of Wight.
The project will generate energy for at least 15 years, resulting in long term investment and revenues which will boost the economy both nationally and locally.
Today’s news of hopes that the turbines will be running within the next 4 years comes on the same day that it has been revealed an agreement has been signed with turbine developer Orbital Marine Power.
From Monday, local residents are being invited to take part in a consultation on PTEC’s proposals before plans are finalised. Public webinars will be held on Monday 7th June at 18:00 and Tuesday 8th June at 13:30. If you would like to take part, email [email protected].
tidal energy works well, but don’t expect any cheaper electric on the island, even though the direct source is free. The set up costs will be paid back quite quickly in terms of electricity sold, however, the owners of the land based electricity grid – will charge PTEC for using their grid to supply homes – this will mean your electric bill won’t change a bit.
Great idea, going to be sharing the water with loads of surfers, I hope these plans do not disrupt a world class wave or inhibit access to Castlehaven, once its gone its gone..
They and the council don’t care one little bit about that sort of stuff
Like ‘Isle of Wighter’ said this will only affect the views and scenary of the island.. not the prices of electricity which is a shame tbh. Living on an Island surround by water, sunshine and heavy winds you’d of thought we should be using nature to power our homes and businesses and become one of the most advanced places in the UK. Instead we have millions of pounds spend on a bridge that doesnt work, new roadworks 5 months after it was laid(dual carriageway) and 5% tax rises tohelp fund council air conditioning…..
yep Mr Sands, correct
ptec will generate eleccy, which they will sell to the grid, who in turn will provide it to you at the current and ever increasing rate. The grid owner will have PTEC right where they want them – as they cannot bottle up the eleccy and ship it elsewhere. You will find that the grid owner, will charge them a fee, which takes up most of the going rate PTEC get for the eleccy from the grid owner. The winners here will be the grid owner and its shareholders.
the transition to lower carbon fuel and heating may change a lot of things, but the transition will be done, so that you still pay the same or more
Let’s see if the NIMBY’s start complaining about the substation plans, I bet that gets stopped, but 1000’s of Barratt Boxes will still be allowed to be built.
Always good to hear of innovative, renewable energy solutions. Why not build the land-based side of things on the scrub bank at Castle Cove? The council owned land, adjoining Cliffedene, which was purchased from the Blake family… Better that than ruining a much used and well loved beauty spot, surely?