Tidal Energy (TEL) has signed a deal on the tidal project off the coast of Wales to sell electricity to EDF Energy.
The TEL has assured that this project will provide green, sustainable power very soon from a device to be installed in Ramsey Sound, off the coast of Pembrokeshire.
The 12-month agreement with EDF is supported by renewable-energy subsidy scheme and allows valuation of the feasibility of their 150-ton DeltaStream unit that uses huge underwater turbine generators.
DeltaStream is an innovative technology and proves that tidal power can make a lasting contribution towards UK’s renewable energy targets and security. Taking the first steps to commercialization, by securing a buyer for the electricity generated, is essential to that, said, Martin Murphy, managing director, TEL.
The project involves the installation of a 400kW machine that will be topping up to nine further machines, which would produce 10MW sufficient power for 10,000 homes, by 2017.
Last week, MeyGen, signed a 10-year power purchase agreement worth £50m with Smartest Energy for its project in the Pentland Firth, Scotland.
ScottishPower is also involved in a tidal project off the island of Islay while Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay, is being developed in Wales.