A state-of-the-art tidal energy generation project, to be constructed off St Catherine’s Point, has today (Wednesday) been given approval.
The Marine Management Organisation has given the go-ahead to the offshore elements of the Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC). The onshore part of the project, at Ventnor, was given planning consent by the Isle of Wight Council last year (8 September 2015). At 30MW, the project is the largest consented tidal stream energy project in England and Wales.
PTEC is set to become a world leader in large-scale tidal power production, which uses the perpetual motion of the changing tides to generate clean and reliable electricity. A number of tidal turbine manufacturers have already expressed interest in partnering with PTEC to install their turbines, to generate green energy for the UK’s grid and advance their development and growth.
Not only will PTEC generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of a quarter of all Isle of Wight homes, it will create jobs, business and training opportunities locally, as well as encourage investment. The EMEC marine energy project in Orkney has been shown over its first 10 years to have led to the creation of 250 jobs locally. Where possible, PTEC will also source materials and services locally, utilising the extensive marine and engineering related supply chain on the Island and around the Solent.
Project Director Mark Francis said:
“We are delighted with the decision. PTEC will be pivotal to the future growth and success of the UK’s tidal energy industry.
“Work began on the PTEC project back in 2010, and we secured the seabed Agreement for Lease in November 2012. Following a lengthy and detailed consultation, we submitted our application to the MMO almost 17 months ago.
“We have created a project that will deliver reliable power to the UK’s grid and has attracted world leading turbine manufacturers to partner with us in its implementation.
Article continues below this advertisement “We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders including the MMO, local planning authority, the local community, those in the fishing industry and local sailing clubs, throughout the next stage of the project prior to construction. We are keen to ensure that there is as little disruption as possible.”
PTEC is operated as a joint venture between private company, Perpetuus Energy Ltd, and the Isle of Wight Council. It is hoped that the construction of the project will start in 2017, with potential to be generating electricity from late 2018.
Isle of Wight Council leader, Councillor Jonathan Bacon, has today said:
“This is good news; putting the Island at the forefront of green energy production and development in England and Wales. Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) will bring many benefits; to the Island’s economy and residents by way of the creation of local jobs, but also to the UK more widely. It will also provide clean, renewable tidal energy. As an Island our tidal streams are a powerful resource to cultivate.
“I am pleased that as part of the consenting process, environmental considerations such as visual appearance, commercial fishing and sailing have been taken into account by the Marine Management Organisation following significant consultation with key stakeholders and statutory consultees, including Natural England and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership. I know the PTEC team will continue to work alongside the key stakeholders during the next phases of the project, including those who use the area for fishing in order to minimise any impact on them and also discuss potential business opportunities for them.”
In addition to the approval of plans, PTEC have today also confirmed the appointment of Rob Stevens as its Chairman. Rob has a wealth of experience in the maritime sector and is well respected in the Solent area.
In 2012, he became Chair of the Solent Maritime Forum, and created the Transforming Solent Marine and Maritime supplement in March 2014, which focused on improving growth in the region. Rob’s vast experience in maritime matters then led him to establish a consultancy, Stevens Marine Ltd, in 2013.
He was previously CEO of the British Marine Federation, and had overall responsibility for the world famous London and Southampton Boat Shows. Rob also served in the Royal Navy for more than 30 years, reaching the rank of Rear Admiral and Head of the British Submarine Service, as part of a career that saw him specialising in submarines and navigation. He later became Chief of Staff in Naples, responsible for NATO Maritime Operations in the Mediterranean between 2001 and 2005.
Rob said:
“PTEC is a very exciting project for the UK and I’m pleased to be getting involved at such an important stage. This is the largest consented tidal stream energy project in England and Wales, and will accelerate the UK’s adoption and understanding of tidal energy.
“Not only will PTEC be contributing safe, clean, reliable energy for the UK’s grid, but it will also reinforce the UK’s position as a world leader in marine renewables.
“Our priority now is to finalise the commercial and technical elements of the project. PTEC could be a major catalyst in driving the potential of the entire marine renewables industry, a sector that is vital to safeguarding Britain’s industrial future.
“We’re in a good position. Our senior team has an industry-leading understanding and experience of tidal stream energy and project implementation, as well as a strong track record in successful commercial ventures.”
