Work to start on Fair Head tidal energy project in 2018

Work on a massive tidal energy scheme off the North Coast is scheduled to get underway in 2018, developers have said.
NewsNews
News

Fair Head Tidal said it is pressing on with plans to submit its marine licence application this summer for a turbine array near Ballycastle.

The project is a joint venture between Co Cork-based DP Energy and Belgian company Bluepower NV.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Once fully commissioned, it is expected that the development could generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 70,000 homes.

Project manager Clodagh McGrath said the firms have concluded a series of extensive surveys offshore and onshore and area assessing these to include them in the marine licence application.

She added: “The Fair Head Tidal development strategy is to progress with a 100MW offshore consent application and build the project out in phases, planned to commence in 2018.

“In the last three years we have engaged with a wide range of project stakeholders including local communities and government departments.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The company is consulting with communities in Ballycastle and Rathlin Island before it submits its planning application.

Ms McGrath added: “We will of course continue this engagement process as we finalise our plans and look forward to hosting more local open days this spring before we complete our application.

“At these open days we will be sharing details on the surveys completed, the proposed tidal energy technologies and how we plan to bring the energy ashore and connect into the national electricity grid.”

The proposed technology is a further development of that used in Strangford Lough in Co Down, which is due to be decommissioned soon.

Related topics: