DeltaStream will be amongst the first grid-connected demonstration devices in the world to generate sustainable tidal power.
The device, which was developed by tidal stream technology company Tidal Energy, was unveiled in August at Pembroke Port by the First Minister of Wales.
It will be installed in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire, and is expected to start producing power electricity for Welsh households soon.
As per the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), EDF Energy, which is the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity, will buy power as well as renewable certificates from the device for the first year of the project at a pre-agreed price.
TEL managing director Martin Murphy said: "DeltaStream is not just about proving a new, innovative technology – it is about proving that tidal power can make a real and lasting contribution towards the UK’s renewable energy targets and energy security.
"Taking the first steps to commercialisation, by securing a buyer for the electricity generated, is essential to that."
EDF Energy Export Sales and Procurement Manager Dan Brimelow said: "Technologies like tidal power help improve the diversity of electricity supplies and reduce our reliance on imported energy which is good for the country’s future energy security.
"By taking the time to understand Tidal Energy’s plans, we structured a PPA that gives them the income certainty they need to satisfy investors, and also manages the risks around forecasting how much power they would produce."
Image: The DeltaStream solution, with up to 3 turbines on a single structure provides a high average output power. Photo: courtesy of Tidal Energy.
