UK set for first estuary tidal barrage

The £200m Tidal Barrage, which is one of the least expensive energy projects in the UK, will have an installed capacity of 90MW/hr of electrical energy from a single construction being powered by predictable tidal movement. It will provide electricity for tens of thousands of homes in the UK and will support the National Grid and UK government in their clean renewable energy objectives.

Natural Energy Wyre is now able to move forward with securing the £10m stage one funding which is needed for full completion of the planning application with the project, based on proven current turbine and energy production technologies covering the 600m span of the mouth of the river with six turbines.

“This is a real milestone in the project, it’s one of the most exciting stages now and gives us the green light to move forward with the next stage in developing a clean renewable energy project right here in the North West of the UK,” said Bob Long, managing director.

Currently the UK Government has a commitment to deliver 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020, but it currently only achieves 5%.

“This is great news for all local people, on both sides of the river and beyond, a real opportunity to be involved in helping the UK become less dependent on imported energy and the burning of fossil fuels,” Mr Long added.

The next phase is the planning process including full public consultation followed by the construction stages. Full construction is anticipated to take three years before the Wyre Tidal Barrage will be fully functioning, producing renewable energy four times a day, on the turn of the tide, for over 100 years.

By Rachael Doyle

Video: Natural Energy Wyre