A MAJOR tidal power scheme off the coast of Anglesey has taken a step closer to fruitition.
First Minister Carwyn Jones announced today (Thursday, February 28) announced the Welsh Government’s approval of the Marine Current Turbines’ (MCT) Skerries Tidal Stream Array.
The 10MW development, around a kilometre off Carmel Head, would generate enough electricity for 10,000 homes in Anglesey, and would be the largest development of its kind in the UK.
He said: “This demonstrates the significant benefits of choosing Wales for marine energy investment, with our unique tidal resources, good port facilities and proximity to the grid.”
The array will include five SeaGen 2MW tidal stream turbines in an area between the Skerries group of rocks and islands and Carmel Head about 1km off the Anglesey coast close to the port of Holyhead, in approximately 20 to 40m water depth.
Achim Woerner of MCT’s parent company Siemens said: “The consent is an important milestone in Wales’ transition to a low carbon economy and the tidal farm will provide a very positive economic boost to Anglesey and North Wales."
The project is scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2015.