Airtricity appointed to develop tidal power on Sark

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Airtricity appointed to develop tidal power on Sark

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Thursday, 18 September 2008 07:36

The development of tidal power for the small Channel Island of Sark, part of the UK, came a step closer with the appointment of Airtricity, by Sark Renewable Energy (SRE) recently. Few details of the relationship or the project were released by Airtricity, part of the Scottish and Southern Energy Group (SSE), after the appointment.

Nevertheless, Airtricity did tell Wave & Tidal Energy News that no specific technology has been chosen for the project and that the timescale for the project would depend on a number of factors, including the availability of suitable technologies, and its securing the necessary consents and permissions. In terms of timescale the company has, however, indicated that it is looking to have a demonstration project up and running within 4 years and the full commercial development within 8.

Sark Renewable Energy (SRE) was founded last year by local Channel Islanders. Its founder shareholders are the same as those of Alderney Renewable Energy (ARE), another small island, from which its directors are drawn. ARE was formed in 2004 to develop marine renewable energy within Alderney territorial waters: hence SRE's directors already have a track record in Alderney. SRE is a resource developer, not a device developer, and is technology neutral; free to choose the most appropriate technology for a development.

Stuart Trought, CEO, ARE and Director of SRE stated: "We are delighted to have teamed up with Airtricity and feel they are the right partners for SRE to develop tidal power in Sark waters. In addition to their project and engineering experience, SRE will be able to draw on the financial, commercial and legal resources available within the SSE Group. Airtricity's experience and financial backing, coupled with SRE's local knowledge and experience make this an ideal partnership."

John Thouless, Marine Development Manager, Airtricity stated: "Airtricity see the great potential for developing tidal power in Sark waters and are delighted to have joined up with a locally based company which has taken a lead in this field. We look forward to hearing back from the Chief Pleas of Sark on our proposal to develop tidal power on Sark and look forward to working with SRE and the local community of Sark. We have a long history of developing renewable energy projects and see marine renewables as being an important part of our portfolio in future."

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Last Updated on Thursday, 18 September 2008 09:10