The Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) has received the go-ahead to create a 'state-of-the-art' tidal energy generation project off the Isle of Wight, UK.
The Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) has received the go-ahead to create a ‘state-of-the-art’ tidal energy generation project off the Isle of Wight, UK.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has granted its approval of the offshore elements of PTEC, a transformational 30 MW tidal power project. The onshore part of the project was approved by the local planning authority last year. PTEC is now the largest consented tidal stream energy project in England and Wales.
Operated as a joint venture between private company Perpetuus Energy Ltd and the Isle of Wight Council, the purpose of PTEC is to operate commercially a range of different leading turbine technologies, with the aim of bringing international companies to the area and accelerating the UK’s adoption and understanding of tidal energy. Up to 60 turbines could be deployed at PTEC, producing clean, predictable electricity to the UK’s electricity grid.
Global turbine manufacturers and supply chain companies are already showing interest in and commitment to the development, says the project’s management.
It is hoped that construction of the project will start in 2017, with the potential to be generating electricity from late 2018. Where possible, PTEC will source materials and services locally.
Project director Mark Francis commented: "PTEC is of strategic importance to the UK’s tidal industry as it delivers a fully consented site for a range of turbine technologies, deployed in large commercial arrays. By allowing multiple turbine technologies to use the same site and share the same consents and infrastructure, we can simultaneously bring down the cost of energy and accelerate the growth of the tidal industry."