Strumble Head tidal feasibilty study halts plans

The area around Stumble Head has been identified by many as a possible tidal flow generation site, and in particular at a conference organised by Marine Energy Pembrokeshire at Pembroke Technium in March 2011. Discussions between the past Mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick, Cllr Bob Wheatley, Transition Bro Gwaun and Swanturbines Ltd resulted in a decision to explore the possibility of setting up a study to assess the feasibility of a tidal flow project in the area. Funding for this study was gained from both the Energy Saving Trust and Swanturbines Ltd., the latter undertaking the work. The study took place between April and July 2011 and covered environmental research, an informal stakeholder consultation, and an engineering assessment.There was general support amongst the 29 ‘stakeholder’ organisations that were consulted, and their feedback has been incorporated into the study. These included the RNLI and Stena Line, neither of whom expressed concerns, and the Sea Trust (S&W Wales) who provided guidance and highlighted the importance of the area to marine life, mammals in particular. The area does not lie within a designated conservation zone, but further study of the environmental impacts would have to be undertaken if a project was taken forward ...