FAQs
What’s the likelihood of this happening?
There is a strong commitment by government to see the tidal energy potential harnessed (see announcement on 2 December 2008 and the draft Strategic Action Plan) The targets for renewable energy and carbon dioxide emission reductions at a NI and UK level point to the need to make this happen. It is therefore highly likely that Northern Ireland will be making more use of its tidal energy in the future.
How much will it cost?
It’s really too early to say as it will depend upon the size of the project, the technology chosen and the final engineering works which are determined.
How does the technology work?
In the same way that the wind passing across a wind turbine’s blades makes its rotor turn to generate electricity, so the water passing across the marine tidal turbine’s blades can turn a rotor making electricity for onward transmission to shore and the Northern Ireland grid.
How much electricity will it generate?
It will depend upon the final size of the project but our research parameters are to explore the potential of achieving 100-200 MW. For comparison, a 150 MW project on a good tidal site could generate approximately 5% of Northern Ireland’s electricity.
Will it make electricity cheaper?
While it is not possible to forecast market forces in the future; the cost of electricity from a tidal stream project will be predictable over the entire life of the project which can insulate against increasing and extreme volatility in world energy prices.
What will be the visual impact of the project?
Thetis is committed to achieving the highest environmental standards and visual impact will be part of the assessment and the technology review process. Some systems are entirely under the surface, whilst some have an element that breaks the water surface. In addition, an offshore electrical substation may be required as part of the project.
Will fishing be affected?
It is clear that both during construction and during operation, fishing and marine tidal projects cannot readily coexist. As part of the assessment work, we will examine the extent of the impact and whether the site can be used as a fishing reserve for supporting stock regeneration.
Will land be vested?
The seabed is owned by the Crown and managed by the Crown Estate. All marine renewable projects in UK waters will operate under a lease arrangement with the Crown Estate for the life of the project, which will include decommissioning obligations at the end.
What is the process?
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) announced the commencement of a Strategic Environmental Assessment on 2 December 2008. Once this is complete, DETI and the Crown Estate will issue a call for proposals to which Thetis intends to respond. An environmental assessment will also be completed to accompany a submission for consent from both DETI and the Department of Environment.
Who makes the decisions?
There are a range of different departments and regulatory authorities. The principal consenting bodies are the Crown Estate, DETI, NI Environment Agency, the Planning Service (for any onshore works) and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.
What is the timescale?
It is expected that the environmental assessment will take place over a minimum period of two years, with consenting taking a further year. Pending all relevant consents and subject to the forthcoming Crown Estate competition, it would be possible to construct the project over phases from 2014 to 2016.
Why the north coast of Antrim, can it be done anywhere else?
There is a high concentration of tidal flows from Rathlin around Fair Head down to Runabay headland, both near to the shore and further out in the channel. There are other hotspots around Northern Ireland including around the Copeland Islands.
How are you consulting with interested parties?
At this point we are still only consulting on the scope of the environmental assessment studies. This is a formal process with all consultation being conducted to relevant bodies through the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and with interested parties via the letters and this website. In time, when we commence the environmental assessment, we will consult more broadly.
What experience do you have?
The company and its partners and contractors pulls together experience in renewable energy development, marine technology and major project delivery. It is sufficient to complete the development, installation and operation of the project.