Tidal Energy preps 1.2MW sea bed generator

UK startup Tidal Energy Limited is on track to begin construction of a full-scale prototype of its underwater turbine technology within the next two months, according to the company's recently appointed managing director.

Speaking to BusinessGreen.com, Martin Murphy said the company was looking to secure funding for the project from renewable energy investment firm Eco2 and was in detailed discussions with the Welsh government European funding office about securing grant support.

He added that should the Welsh government approve the EU-backed investment, work could begin on manufacturing the 1.2MW prototype within six to eight weeks.

Alongside preparations to begin manufacturing, the company is also undertaking an environmental impact assessment in Ramsey Sound in Pembrokeshire, where it plans to deploy the underwater turbines.

"We plan to submit the environmental assessment in October with a view to having the necessary licences by September 2010, by which point we expect the generator to be ready," said Murphy. "We are then planning a one-year programme of tests, before we will look to roll out the device commercially."

The Delta Stream device has the potential to significantly reduce installation costs compared to alternative tidal energy technologies, according to Murphy, as it will not require any drilling of the sea bed.

The device is based on a triangular structure with a turbine at each corner, and Murphy explained that it has been designed to remain in situ on the sea bed without the need for any costly moorings.

"A lot of the research undertaken in the development phase has been on drag forces and we are confident that the design means the device will be secure on the sea bed using its own weight," he said. "We haven't calculated the cost advantages yet, but when you look at the cost of hiring drilling vessels, it is likely to be significant."