A prototype demonstrator tidal stream project, with a nominal installed capacity of 1MW, has been proposed for a site in West Wales (UK). The project, to be run by Tidal Energy Limited, will comprise a single DeltaStream device and will be  deployed for 12 months on the site in Ramsey Sound, off the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The project will also include the provision of a sub-sea cable, a small onshore package control room/substation and associated electrical infrastructure works to allow connection to the local distribution network. The ancillary onshore components of the project will, however, be limited in extent as TEL intends to utilise the existing infrastructure associated with the St Justinian’s lifeboat station, to minimise potential impacts.

The site, says the company, has been chosen as the best available site after careful consideration of a number of options. Initially a report produced by ABPmer, on behalf of TEL, identified a number of locations in the UK that could be potential sites for the DeltaStream prototype. Potential sites shortlisted included the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) test centre in Orkney, Pentland Firth and Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire was seen as a viable site for the deployment of the DeltaStream demonstrator prototype based upon the tidal stream resource and the water depths that are available. In addition TEL has a strong community link with Pembrokeshire. In fact the DeltaStream device was first conceived with the support of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (PCNP) to design an environmentally sensitive device. In 2001 PCNP funded the trialling of the DeltaStream device in the Cleddau Estuary.