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World's first tidal power farms off Anglesey

08 February 2008

A commercial tidal energy project - one of the world's first tidal power farms - could be sited off the north west coast of Anglesey, energy giant npower said on Thursday.

The firm said it was working with Marine Current Turbines, a specialist turbines outfit, to develop a tidal farm in The Skerries, capable of providing energy for up to 6,000 homes.

If planning permission is granted, the project aims to connect seven turbines to the National Grid and could be completed by 2011.

Each underwater turbine is capable of generating 1.5 megawatts of power using the tidal streams in the area.

A feasibility study will be launched soon, the firm said, with planning applications submitted in mid-2009.

Paul Cowling, managing director of npower renewables, said while tidal stream was still an inchoate technology, it had the potential to make a 'valuable contribution' to UK renewable energy supplies, and the battle against climate change.

Martin Wright, MCT managing director, said the scheme was a important step in commercialising tidal energy technology.

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