E.ON/Lunar Energy

 

E.ON/Lunar Energy – The project is aiming to use the Rotech Tidal Turbine (RTT) that has been developed by Lunar and its technology partner Rotech Engineering Limited. The RTT design is patent protected and is designed to capture and convert tidal stream energy into renewable electricity. In 2005, RPS undertook an initial review of the consenting regime for tidal energy devices in UK waters, on behalf of Lunar Energy. Following on from this review, RPS were commissioned to undertake an assessment of potential sites within UK waters suitable for the pre-commercial deployment of between 2-6 RTT’s. This site selection study involved the use of tidal resource models developed by RPS and GIS-based mapping to identify potential deployment sites.

An initial long-list of 22 sites was shortened to 6 following review of environmental and grid connection issues. Following further analysis, a short-list of two areas was identified. Site visits were undertaken to both areas to assess specific issues and a third report was commissioned to assess these two areas in detail. Following the issue of this third report in 2007, a decision was made to progress the project in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Developing a tidal energy project in this area represents a major challenge as the site is designated as a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the technology proposed is relatively unknown. In October 2007, RPS prepared and published an EIA Scoping Report for the project, as well as accompanying E.ON on a series of stakeholder consultation meetings. An EIA for the project will begin in 2008. RPS also managed a geophysical survey of the proposed study area on behalf of E.ON. This survey has gathered essential data to assist both the EIA and engineering processes.

E.ON are currently waiting for the results from the SEA to be published before taking the next steps with the project.

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