COMMUNICATION HUB FOR THE WAVE & TIDAL ENERGY INDUSTRY

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www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.ukAT RUK& TI WAVEPAGEDA 1L WINTER 2015 | £7.50 SEE US ON STAND 10 Editor’s Welcome

Editorial contributions Please feel free to contribute to the next magazine. The next edition will be our Spring issue as the feedback we have received from the industry in general points towards producing a quarterly publication. Lead Your contributions are vital to its success so Meeting you by the please do not hesitate to get in touch with We will be attending the RenewableUK’s your stories. Wave & Tidal conference and exhibition in Edinburgh 25/26th February at the EICC. industry Features – get involved Please come and visit us on stand 10. We As the magazine grows so will the would be delighted to meet you. individual features on all sorts of areas for the within the industry. industry These features will emanate from our discussions with leading experts during our visits to conferences and events, as well as Welcome to Wave & Tidal our editorial team bringing up subject areas Energy Network edition 3 when looking at the industry as a whole. This publication is for the industry and it will be lead by the industry so we want you to Please feel free to contact us if there is continue to play your part in ensuring that any subject area which you think may be this is the best vehicle of communication of interest to our readership and we will for all involved in the wave and tidal energy do the rest – there is never any charge for industry. genuine editorial.

Lead article – Energy You will find our ‘Forthcoming Features’ Technologies Institute tab on our website in the magazine section. Stuart Bradley, Strategy Manager, Offshore Renewables at the Energy Technologies Magazine and website Institute continues our ‘Industry Lead interaction – QR codes Duncan McGilvray Article’ feature – he covers industry cost As with our sister publication Wind Energy Editor comparisons and investment. Network we have pink and green flashes Wave & Tidal Energy Network indicating more information online. Spotlight on Wales Click to view more info As an introduction to this feature we QR codes have been substituted in the welcome an exclusive article from the printed version which means that you can Welsh Government Minister for Natural scan the code with your smart phone and Resources, Carl Sargeant AM, who shares it will direct you to the featured company his vision for a vibrant marine energy or organisation’s digital information, so industry in Wales. that you can learn much more in all sorts of formats.

These have already become very popular as it links the printed magazine in a very interactive way – a great marketing tool for our decision making readership to find out about products and services following the PAGE reading of an interesting article.

www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk PAGE 03 WAVE & TIDAL ENERGY NETWORK CONTENTS

Founding Partners Wave & Tidal Energy Network contents6 Industry Lead Article Now into our 3rd edition we welcome the continued support of our ‘Founding Partners’. 8 Industry Update From an editorial standpoint we need advice and assistance in making sure that the publication is both successful and worthwhile to the industry moving forward and this is a very 16 Founding Partner Article involved way of ensuring we communicate effectively across Swansea the whole industry.

We have a number of ‘Founding Partners’ who have signed Bay 18 Scottish Renewables’ Marine up to support our publication. There are one or two spaces Conference remaining – if you would like to get involved please contact the sales team on 01765 644224 or Tidal email: [email protected] Lagoon SmartBay Ireland At the time of going to print our ‘Founding Partners’ should 20 have received an invitation to a meeting taking place at Is undoubtedly the most important and ambitious long RenewableUK’s Wave & Tidal conference and exhibition in term project to hit this exciting industry. In this edition Edinburgh at the EICC in late February 2015. we investigate further. 22 Sustainable Marine Energy If you have not received this email invitation please get in At 320MW installed capacity, with first power expected in 2018, touch – we plan to meet at our stand in the first instance. economic studies will be the largest marine energy development in the world. Developed by Tidal Lagoon Power Limited, it will have Spotlight on Wales an entirely predictable 495GWh output each year of clean, green 24 electricity and will power more than 155,000 homes for 120 years – that’s about 11% of Wales’ domestic electricity. Our Founding Partners: Tidal Lagoon Power plans to follow the Swansea Bay project with five full-scale tidal lagoons in UK waters; generating up to 8% of the UK’s electricity requirements from the fleet. Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive of Tidal Lagoon Power explains how the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon could change the shape of the UK’s future energy mix in this Green Energy Publishing Ltd Green Energy Publishing Ltd T 01765 644224 absorbing article. (Northern) (SOUTHERN) W www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk The Oaks, Oakwood Park Business Centre, OrbisEnergy, Wilde Street, E [email protected] Spotlight on Wales Bishop Thornton, Harrogate Lowestoft, Suffolk E [email protected] The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project is just one of the many articles North Yorkshire HG3 3BF NR32 1XH within this substantial regional focus feature which proves that Wales is leading the way in tidal energy.

Duncan McGilvray Editor Wave & Tidal Energy Network magazine is happy to accept unsolicited contributions for consideration. Editorial opinions expressed Wave & Tidal Energy Network in this magazine are not necessarily those of Green Energy Publishing Ltd and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising content. The publishers cannot accept any responsibility for omissions or errors. The contents of this magazine are PAGE fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission.

PAGE 04 www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk PAGE 05 industry lead article industry lead article

Recommendations It recommends the sector should target levelised cost reductions from today’s 20- 50p/kWh to 10-20p/kWh by 2020 and 5-8p/kWh by 2050 in order to encourage continued deployment. UKERC calculate The roadmap has three specific the sector could be worth more than Wave and Tidal purposes… £70bn and support 68,000 jobs in 2050, but we have reached a critical point in the • To provide forward-looking marine development of marine energy as decisions energy technology cost and made now will determine whether or not it performance targets that can will fulfil its potential as a significant source be used to benchmark industry progress of energy by 2050. in the future – these are generic targets for both the wave and tidal stream Prioritised innovation The UK has significant marine The Low Carbon Innovation necessary to enable the sector to make a sectors Innovation over the next decade needs to inenergy resources, which to datethe Coordination Group (LCICG ) UKmaterial and cost-effective contribution to • To identify the specific technology be prioritised to support installation and remain largely unexploited. This is LCICG believe that alongside a sizeable the delivery of the UK’s energy and climate development and demonstration recovery demonstration and potentially in part because of the cost of the contribution to UK GDP, successful change goals. activities required to progress small-scale array trials. This should reduce technological and commercial risk development of marine energy the marine energy sector, including the cost of marine energy. Future plans involved in deploying appropriate across both wave and tidal could cross-cutting industry requirements The key messages arising from the technologies. So reducing the cost yield 75TWh/y – over 10% of the along with specific activities for the The roadmap identifies 40 technology and analysis are that technology validation of generation is the challenge UK’s forecast electricity needs in wave and tidal stream sectors deployment issues faced and prioritises (including array-scale installations) must before us. 2050. To do this economically, the • To prioritise potential technology them from the perspective of the industry. take place over the next three to five cost challenge has to be addressed development and demonstration This analysis includes target costs and years, to position the UK marine energy and collaboration is a key principle interventions in the context of performance levels with timelines for their sector for commercial viability in the Cost comparisons that both wave and tidal industries the specific role and remit of the ETI delivery. long-term. Wave energy costs are presently high in should seek to adopt, using greater comparison to other low carbon energy knowledge sharing. These early deployments will also sources and more investment is needed provide necessary learning by doing before costs improve sufficiently to play ETI Marine Energy to help unlock further cost reductions. a major contributory role in the UK Technology Roadmap Also a target cost of energy of 8-10p/ energy mix. The ETI are looking into innovation kWh for array-scale marine energy to harness the UK’s vast natural farms needs to be delivered by the mid- Tidal is beginning to develop a credible wave and tidal resources. 2020’s to deliver a trajectory towards cost reduction roadmap through significant deployment in the UK by accelerated technology development Recently published in collaboration 2050. and plans for array-scale deployment. with the UK Energy Research The biggest driver for substantial cost Centre (UKERC), the Marine reduction comes through innovation, so Energy Technology Roadmap. Technology It was a major update to the 2010 stuart Bradley further investment in this area is critical roadmaps are tools to provide a framework roadmap that was produced with UKERC strategy Manager if wave or tidal energy sources are to for stimulating innovation in specific which prioritised the key technology and offshore Renewables succeed. But to deliver this investment, technology areas in order to achieve a long deployment issues faced by the sector. Energy Technologies Institute investors need confidence in a future term vision, target or goal. market and therefore a return on their innovation risk capital. Roadmap aim The aim of this particular roadmap is to facilitate the establishment of a commercially viable marine energy sector (covering both wave and tidal) in the UK, supported by an extensive supply chain, PAGE thereby building the skills and capacity

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Marine installation of the world’s largest commercial tidal energy array

James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS) Groundbreaking Exciting project has been selected by MeyGen JFMS announced that it has secured a Commenting on the successful contract Limited (MeyGen) to complete contract with MeyGen to complete the award Jim Hey, Group Business the offshore marine installation offshore installation activities associated with Development Director of James Fisher elements of the initial stage of the the construction of the first phase (Phase 1A) said “I am delighted that JFMS has project (Phase 1A) that includes the of its ground breaking 398MW tidal array been selected by MeyGen to complete installation of 4 x 1.5 megawatt project in the Pentland Firth, Scotland. this exciting project to further the turbines, support structure and development of tidal energy and export cables. When fully completed, the MeyGen project strengthen the capabilities of the UK will have the potential to provide clean, supply chain. Funding agreement sustainable, predictable power for 175,000 This follows agreement of funding homes in Scotland from up to 269 tidal “As an integrator of complex marine package by MeyGen to commence the turbines secured on the seabed. projects with access to the specialist construction of the world’s largest tidal resources and capabilities of the wider stream development in the Pentland This follows the announcement recently that James Fisher group, this latest award Firth, Scotland and supports the the MeyGen project, owned by AIMlisted builds on its successful track record development of JFMS’s capabilities as an tidal power company, Atlantis Resources of completing detailed planning and integrator of complex marine projects for (Atlantis), has successfully led a funding engineering studies for other tidal the marine energy sector. syndicate to raise approximately £50 million, developments and delivery of other which will be used to finance the initial stage significant projects the marine sector. of the wider MeyGen project. Huge industry progress World first “The marine energy industry has Under this contract JFMS will employ its made huge progress over recent considerable marine operational expertise in years, however the progression the installation of 4 x 1.5 megawatt turbines, to construction, operation and support structures, submarine cables and maintenance of a commercial tidal array other infrastructure offshore. Construction is a significant step that we are excited commenced recently and the first electricity to be involve in.” added Jim. will be delivered to the grid by 2016. The successful installation of the tidal array with James Fisher and Sons MeyGen will be the first of its kind in the world and positions JFMS at the forefront of commercial scale subsea tidal turbine installations. PAGE

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Partners sign agreement to install a floating tidal energy platform near Texel

A group of leading offshore companies including Bluewater, Damen and Van Oord have joined together to realise an unique floating tidal energy platform which will be moored near Texel in the Waddenzee, an intertidal zone in the southeastern part of the North Sea, to generate clean electricity from the tides.

Providing clean electricity Stepping stone to larger Unique co-operation in the future to remote platform The unique co-operation between locations worldwide “This smaller test platform, while ready Bluewater, Damen, Van Oord, Tocardo, The platform is a trial for remote locations to use in remote locations, is also a TKF, Vryhof, NIOZ, Nylacast and TTC worldwide, such as islands in Indonesia, stepping stone for our larger 2MW bundles extensive experience in the Philippines or the Pacific. It is of an platform development. maritime and offshore industry, in the innovative modular design and uses a new field of design and operation of mooring type of permanent mooring line. It will be “Together with Bluewater we have platforms, shipbuilding, offshore dredging the first time that a floating tidal platform adapted our modular barge product and installation, tidal turbines, power It holds a 200 KW turbine that can power is used for electricity production into the to a modular tidal power generation cables, anchors, research at sea and local villages, cooling facilities and provide Dutch grid. It will be operational in the first platform, that can be shipped by synthetic materials. The platform can be disconnected from lighting at schools which will change local half of 2015. containers to any location in the the moored location and taken to a local economies. It will be the first time that world.” says Arnout Damen, COO of BlueTEC platform detail port for heavy repair when needed. With electricity generated from free-flowing tidal “This platform can be shipped and Damen Shipyards. “After container The BlueTEC platform is developed for this modular, flexible floating platform the currents will be supplied to the island of installed anywhere in the world, to transport the modules can be cost effective installation, operations & global tidal energy industry reached a new Texel. provide clean electricity in remote areas assembled to shipbuilding quality maintenance of tidal turbines. BlueTEC state of the art. and small islands, replacing expensive vessels.” floats and can be towed to location without Damen and polluting diesel generators” says heavy lifting at sea. It accommodates all Texel platform detail Allard van Hoeken, Head of New Energy at vulnerable electronics equipment inside The Texel platform is the small, simple Bluewater Energy Services. the unit, where it is dry and protected, yet and robust version of BlueTEC. Aimed at allowing for easy access for inspection, remote locations, it consists of container maintenance and repair. size modules, can be assembled locally and installed without sophisticated equipment.

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PAGE 10 www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk PAGE 11 Industry Update Industry Update

The Switch is a leader in permanent magnet generator (PMG) and full-power converter (FPC) packages for wind turbine Delivering a applications that are similar to this specific co-generation current application. With Product Knowledge and over 7 GW of installed capacity, they have Decision making criteria experience made their mark with efficient and reliable “We selected The Switch based on “WWT was interested in The Switch power generation, lowering the cost of their know-how and experience of full-power converter converter because of our product energy. delivering converters that fulfill the knowledge and flexibility to work with strictest grid codes and utility demands them on the prototype,” says Risto Ahvo, As an operational reference in tidal wave for interconnection and power General Manager of The Switch USA. applications, they delivered a PMG and conditioning,” says Marek Sredzki, CEO of “They also appreciated the compactness FPC package in 2011 to the Wello Penguin WWT. “For us, it was also important to to a self-floating of our design.” wave power application in Orkney, know that The Switch will be providing Scotland. us with engineering application support.” power plant The Switch Water Wall Turbine Inc. (WWT)

Vancouver-based Water Wall Turbine Inc. (WWT) has selected The Switch to provide a 500 kW full-power converter for its innovative self-floating power plant. This new commercially viable system extracts potential and kinetic energy from large, fast moving water currents for conversion into electric energy.

The Switch supplied its first 500 kW full-power converter recently for WWT’s prototype project, which will be used for the Dent Island Resort, near Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. System testing of the integrated equipment is planned for the first quarter of 2015.

Replacing existing diesel Patented technology generators The WWT vessel leverages patented The vessel will power the resort, replacing technology in a tethered above-water existing diesel generators as the primary design to provide superior advantages energy source and is integrated with battery over other tidal flow power generation energy storage. The diesel generators concepts. Power extraction is extremely will provide system backup. Additional 1 efficient in deep or shallow water currents. MW plants are being planned for other Environmental impact is minimal. The vessel remote resorts and communities in British offers easy accessibility for maintenance Columbia. and construction. The technology is scalable from 500 kW to 1 MW, 2 MW and up to 5 MW per unit. The vessels provide bi or mono-directional operation for tidal and river currents. PAGE

PAGE 12 www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk PAGE 13 Industry Update Industry Update

British-made Unique technology Unlike other marine energy technologies, Searaser won’t generate electricity out at sea but will simply use the motion of the ocean swell to pump high pressure seawater ashore, where it will be wave power used to make electricity. The motion of the waves drives a piston between two buoys – one on the surface of the water, the other surges suspended underwater and tethered to a weight on the seabed. As waves move past, the surface buoy moves the piston up-and- down, pumping volumes of pressurised seawater through a pipe to closer after an onshore hydropower turbine to produce electricity. The Searaser could be used to pump seawater into coastal successful reservoirs, from where it can be released at any time of the day or night, to make renewable electricity on demand.

Vision test Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said: “Our vision is for Britain’s electricity needs to be met entirely from our big three Generating electricity from wave power in Britain took a renewable energy sources – the Wind, the Sun and the Sea. step closer to reality recently after green energy company Ecotricity’s innovative device, Searaser, successfully “Out of these three energy sources, generating electricity completed first stage testing at Plymouth University’s from the sea is by far the most difficult due to the hostile CoastLAB wave tank. ocean environment – it’s also the least advanced of the three technologies but it has enormous potential. The brainchild of British inventor Alvin Smith, Searaser is designed to overcome two of the biggest hurdles in the “We believe these ‘Seamills’ have the potential to produce a deployment of renewable energy on a scale that fulfils significant amount of the electricity that Britain needs, from Britain’s future electricity needs – cost and variable output. a clean indigenous source and in a more controllable manner than currently possible.” Real world conditions Ecotricity and the Searaser team have spent the past 18 months Vince said Ecotricity hoped to have a full scale prototype in the optimising the design of the device and modelling outputs in real ocean in the next 12 months or so – and to be producing electricity world conditions around the coast of Britain – with the assistance from the first commercial array of ‘Searasers’ within a few years. of one of the world’s leading marine energy consultants, DNV GL Group (formerly Garrad Hassan). Enormous potential Vince said: “The potential is enormous. This is a British Mr Smith said the determining factor in making wave power invention that could transform the energy market not just efficient and therefore cost-effective, was resilience:“The wave here in Britain but around the world. Our plan is to develop tank testing was carried out to validate the extensive the technology and make them here in Britain, bringing computer modelling we’ve been undertaking. green jobs as well as green energy to our country.”

“We’ve put Searaser through the most extreme testing Ecotricity regime here at CoastLAB and it’s passed every challenge.”

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PAGE 14 www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk PAGE 15 FOUNDING PARTNER ARTICLE ARTICLE FOUNDING PARTNER

In addition, new market growth for wind farms in more remote locations such as The new gearbox oil also offers excellent gearbox life desserts or high plateaus of Asia Pacific, water tolerance due to its proven water with temperatures ranging from -50 ºC ingress capabilities – an essential lubricant Safety is a number one Learning from the in China up to +45 ºC in India, requires feature for increasing the life span of off- priority. How does the lubricants that offer a wide operating shore wind turbines and service oil. This can new product help improve temperature range and strong corrosion What are the key benefits? help off-set equipment ageing as a result of safety and increase Wind energy industry protection. The use of fine filters to protect Following extensive bench and rig tests, contact with sea water, salt and salt vapour productivity? The following article was written for the wind energy gearbox components from wear also means Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT has proven – all contributing to gear and bearing Mobil SHC™ Gear 320 WT has been industry, however we believe the information and that the gear oil must retain an acceptable to provide powerful protection against degradation. The lubricant is also approved formulated to minimise foaming and principles explained will apply to the wave & tidal energy level of foam performance even after micropitting and wear, and to offer for aquatic non-toxicity, as determined by leakage that helps to ensure better industry both now and in the future. repeated cycling through such filters. longer equipment and oil life when the International Maritime Organisation housekeeping and mitigates potential compared against traditional mineral (IMO) 493/02 test. slips and falls. Long drain intervals What is ExxonMobil’s oils. ExxonMobil’s lengthy warranty offer can help mitigate potential safety The changing design of wind The drive to minimise up-tower weight has response to these challenges? for Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT underlines risks caused by employee interaction turbine gearboxes is putting resulted in more compact gearbox designs To help the industry adjust to significant the lubricant’s potential to exceed the with equipment; they can also lower increased pressure on lubricants with case hardening of the gear surfaces. advances in wind turbine design performance of traditional mineral oils maintenance costs and downtime, to perform. We talk to Thorsten Case-hardened gears are susceptible to technology, ExxonMobil has launched an by extending oil drain intervals from 18 while maximising turbine availability Sueling, European OEM Manager, micropitting and require a gear lubricant advanced wind turbine gearbox oil, Mobil months to seven years. and production. The new gear oil meets ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants, that protects against this form of wear. SHC™ Gear 320 WT, which was developed the industry need for improved safety about improving the life of your in collaboration with leading global OEMs Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT has demonstrated by extending oil drain intervals to seven gearbox. In the 1990s, a change in wind turbine to secure reliable wind turbine gearbox an excellent oxidative stability (a key factor years. gearbox design increased power output performance and lasting equipment in achieving extended oil life when gear Can you offer some insight from kilowatts to megawatts. This protection. oils are thermally stressed), viscometrics into ExxonMobil’s offer surprised and disrupted many lubricant and low-temperature performance. The oil Thorsten Sueling for the renewable energy manufacturers, and took its toll on The new gear oil is backed by a seven-year has demonstrated viscosity index at 187 European OEM Manager sector? wind farm operators and maintenance limited warranty for main wind turbine (compared to 160 industry standard), and ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants has been professionals that had to cope with gearbox applications. The warranty a pour point - the temperature at which ExxonMobil at the forefront of developments in the unscheduled downtime and critical guarantees long service life for the main it becomes semi solid and loses its flow wind energy sector for more than 30 component wear due to increased load gearbox in wind turbines, and it eliminates characteristics – of -48ºC. Click to view more info years and understands the challenges pressure on significantly more compact the need for an oil change for a minimum Equipment Builder engineers and wind gearboxes. The market is now anticipating of seven years from initial fill, even under Click to view more info farm operators face. The company new design developments that will increase severe off-shore conditions. The duration is committed to helping wind farm the power output of wind turbines of the warranty is an industry first and the owners optimise their productivity by gearboxes by 30 percent in the near future guarantee is offered to all customers. improving equipment performance and (from single to double-digit megawatt) minimising maintenance. another change that lubricants need to Can you tell us more about respond and adapt to. the warranty? What challenges The warranty covers the Mobil SHC™ Gear do turbine gearbox 320 WT and critical components lubricated lubricants face? by the oil. It states that ExxonMobil will The main challenge for wind turbine replace or repair any equipment damaged gearbox lubricants is their ability to as a direct result of lubricant defect or cope with changing gearbox designs, malfunction. which are focused on increasing Ed’s note gear ratios and output performance The warranty demonstrates ExxonMobil’s This is an abridged version. without adding weight to the gear confidence in the performance of our We recommend you read the full article configuration. new product and our commitment to by clicking/scanning the link. helping the wind energy industry remain competitive against traditional power generation technologies. PAGE

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Scottish Renewables’ Collaboration Collaboration has always been a buzzword in marine renewables and the sector is quickly coming to learn that the long-term Marine Conference benefits of working together far outweigh Saltire Prize the IP issues which can be thrown up by Coming as it did hot on the heels of The Saltire Prize, a competition initiated partnership projects. the Independence referendum, Scottish by the Scottish Government to stimulate Renewables’ Marine Conference was innovation and technology development Indeed, cross-Europe collaboration is also always going to be lively. throughout the sector, also played a part in coming to represent new opportunities for proceedings at Inverness’s Eden Court. wave and tidal energy, with the European With more than 350 delegates involved in Commission looking to Scotland for the wave and tidal energy sectors, the event Saltire Prize Medal recipient Allan Thomson, direction when setting up the European in Inverness provides a meeting of minds founder of Wavegen, the first company in Commission’s Ocean Energy Forum in for this nascent sector. the world to connect a commercial scale 2014. The organisation, which aims to wave energy device to the grid, asked accelerate the commercialisation of the The perennial challenges of grid “What model do we need to build ocean energy sector, received attention connections, financing and the inherent a thriving, commercially successful during the final session of the Marine difficulties of world-leading innovation were wave energy industry in the decades Conference, with Barry Carruthers, perhaps unsurprisingly constant themes. ahead?.” Marine Energy Manager at ScottishPower Renewables, calling the inclusion of wave Post-independence reference And although he conceded “we don’t and tidal energy in the EU’s energy plans Scotland know all the answers”, the engineer said: “an amazing achievement.” In 2014, though, SR’s Chief Exec Niall “We know the right questions – there Stuart used his opening speech to is no technical challenge in the wave Exhibitors highlight the organisation’s asks for a post- sector that cannot be surmounted. I Exhibitors including Norco, Hydrosphere independence reference Scotland. believe that if we adequately address and Gael Force were also in Inverness Keynote address at the conference, showing Scotland’s these questions and take a new for the event, which was sponsored by Among them… In his keynote speech, Mr Stuart said: flourishing wave and tidal energy sector has approach to solving them, we will arrive Highlands and Islands Enterprise and “Given the importance of the invested more than £217m in the country at our goal – commercially available showed the strength of the marine supply • A guarantee of robust grid connections contribution that Scotland and the to date, with £31.8m spent in the last 12 wave energy stations producing power, chain in Scotland. to allow green power generated on other devolved nations will make to the months alone. fresh water and other unexpected the islands to be exported to the UK’s energy ambitions and the growing innovative products.” Scottish Renewables mainland, where it can be sold importance of the sector to all our The Marine Milestones report also revealed • Joint thinking between government economies, we believe that it is time almost two-thirds (62%) of the growing and agencies across the UK to jointly for a more co-ordinated and strategic industry’s supply chain is Scottish. address the challenge of how we take approach to the formation of energy the marine energy sector to the next policy across the UK. MeyGen project level of development Funding wave and tidal projects can be a • A more co-ordinated and strategic “This should reflect our respective complex and lengthy process but as the approach to the formation of energy strengths, resources and priorities and MeyGen project – the largest tidal stream policy across the UK and changes to the be designed to deliver the optimal array in Europe, which achieved financial governance of energy regulator Ofgem energy mix for the UK as we seek close shortly before the conference – to keep down costs for consumers, showed, it is possible. Dan Pearson, the increase energy security and cut carbon company’s CEO, told how the process emissions.” played out, as well as highlighting that the organisation was still hiring to fill new posts Investment figures as the project progresses. Key new investment figures from research PAGE by Scottish Renewables were also unveiled

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Elastomeric mooring solution deployed in Galway Bay Test Site

SmartBay Ireland is working with Irish company TFI Marine on the trial and Main challenge The mooring tethers significantly reduce Turnkey support validation of a novel elastomeric mooring system. This trial is being carried One of the main challenges for floating mooring forces; mooring system costs, SmartBay Ireland General Manager, out at Ireland’s marine test and validation facility in Galway Bay. SmartBay’s devices within the ocean energy, oil & footprints and noise emissions. The TFI John Breslin highlighted that, “We technical team has managed the deployment of the buoy, installed and integrated gas and aquaculture sectors is the design Marine moorings can be used to secure are delighted to be working with sensors to validate performance. All data is being securely delivered to TFI via of reliable and cost-effective mooring navigation marks; research buoys, TFI Marine to validate their new their dedicated web portal. Following several months of data collection using a solutions which can cope with the harsh aquaculture cages, oil & gas installations dynamic mooring system. This project standard mooring configuration equipped with load cells to measure the forces and dynamic marine environment. The and ocean energy devices. demonstrates the benefits of utilising on the moorings, their team recovered and replaced these moorings with TFI mooring system must be able to withstand ‘turnkey’ support from SmartBay Marine’s novel elastomeric mooring system. storm conditions as well as the motions Galway Bay test site Ireland’s team of engineers, software created by waves. This mooring device, Brendan Farrell, Chief Executive of TFI developers, marine technicians and the Analysis developed by TFI Marine is expected Marine said, “We recently installed, facilities available at Ireland’s marine Information from the load cells will be analysed along with other sensors on the buoy to reduce the loads on moored with the assistance of SmartBay, a facility to validate and prove new which measure wave, weather and motion data to determine the efficiency of this new objects by as much as 70% demonstration data buoy fitted with technologies and solutions.’’ mooring design. This trial has received funding support by the Sustainable Energy and minimise snatch loads our new dynamic mooring system. The uthority of Ireland (SEAI). that eventually lead to availability of the exposed Smartbay, SmartBay Ireland mooring failures. Galway Bay test site is ideal for showing Founding Partner customers the benefits of our new tether technology. The delivery by Click to view more info SmartBay, of live performance data back to shore makes it easy for us to = Click to view video demonstrate the elimination of snatch loads and reduction of peak loads by up to 70%.”

Left to right: Brendan Farrell and Paul McEvoy (TFI Marine), Dirk Jan van Waardhuizen (TRELLEBORG), Mark Hazel (DUPONT), Jacco Vonk (TRELLEBORG), Rogerio Chumbinho, Shane Burke, and Damien Glynn (SmartBay), Noel Halloran PAGE (TFI Marine).

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Commercially viable tidal energy... comes a major step closer

Sustainable Marine Energy (SME) has Location Huge Milestone “After this operation I am confident Terrific Achievement successfully completed its first round of PLAT-O was launched from the company’s Jason Hayman, Managing Director of that PLAT-O provides the industry with David Thomson, Managing Director of sea trials with its tidal energy platform, facility in Venture Quays, East Cowes, Isle SME, says: “We have reached a huge a new approach which reduces the costs Orcades Marine Management Consultants, PLAT-O. of Wight and towed to the test site at milestone in the development of our and risks associated with delivering who manages the delivery marine Yarmouth. Once at the site PLAT-O was solution to address the costs associated tidal energy considerably. Over the operations for SME, adds: “The progress Innovative platform submerged to installation depth and a with delivering tidal energy. Over a next few months we will be ramping that the team at SME has made The tidal energy industry has struggled with series of tests were run. PLAT-O was then short period of time we have achieved up the time that PLAT-O spends at site culminating with this trial installation of high costs for installation and maintenance, successfully resurfaced and towed back to a great deal thanks to our capable and and running a series of tests which will PLAT-O should be regarded as a terrific but SME is demonstrating that, by using its East Cowes, where it will be prepared for its passionate team. culminate in the installation of PLAT-O achievement. I have been involved in innovative platform which is moored under next series of trials. at a more aggressive tidal site and many tidal installation operations and the surface of the water, these costs can be generating power to the grid.” I have seen first-hand the challenges significantly reduced. The marine operations were run using facing the tidal industry in relation to small vessels, demonstrating that a step the cost of operations. It is clear to me change reduction in the cost of installing that PLAT-O has the opportunity to tidal energy devices can be achieved. The succeed and provides a viable solution results of the sea trials provide increasing for the tidal energy industry.” confidence in the potential for tidal streams to provide a commercially viable source of Sustainable Marine Energy renewable energy.

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PAGE 22 www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk PAGE 23 Spotlight on WALES WALES Spotlight on

Marine Energy in Wales

We welcome The Welsh Government Minister for Natural Resources, Carl Sargeant AM, who shares his vision for a vibrant marine energy industry in Wales...

Wales is ideally suited for the establishment of a successful and competitive marine energy industry. We benefit from 1200km of coastline and the second highest tidal range in the world and have an estimated 5GW of wave and 1GW of tidal stream energy potential. Our deep sea ports are strategically located and our grid infrastructure is accessible.

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With so much positive activity going on in Growing interest Wales we are beginning to see an exciting There is a growing interest in the energy future ahead for marine renewables. in our waters and I am encouraged by the We are doing all we can to streamline work of the whole marine energy sector the planning system in Wales, which will – industry, regulators, advisors, academia Responsibility benefit all future developments including and the research community – and the As Minister for Natural Resourses, I have those in the marine energy sector. But partnership approach to delivering projects. responsibility for the sustainable use of we know there is a lot more work to do our wave and tidal resource and I am in supporting the industry to develop and Wales’ natural resources powered the committed to working with the marine thrive and I would like to describe two of Industrial Revolution and now we have the sector to ensure Wales has a thriving these initiatives. opportunity to do the same as part of the Attractive marine energy industry and that our renewables revolution. I invite you to join location communities receive the maximum Demonstration zones Investment us as we develop a resilient and prosperous But it isn’t just our fantastic economic and social benefits from projects. We have been working with the Crown The Welsh Government has invested £1M renewable energy industry in Wales. natural resources and Estate to establish wave and tidal into developing the Marine Renewable infrastructure which make Progress demonstration zones in Wales and I am Energy Strategic Framework (MRESF), Carl Sargeant AM Wales such an attractive So what progress has there been to date? delighted that Menter Môn and Wave which assessed the available wave and tidal Welsh Government Minister for Natural location for the industry. Wales is currently home to two projects Hub were recently successful in acquiring resource within a sustainable framework Resources We also have a strong with the necessary consents to deploy seabed rights from The Crown Estate. Their and provides developers with an online manufacturing base, a marine renewable energy devices and I am role as third party managers is to increase mapping tool. Developers looking to Click to view more info skilled workforce and hopeful, subject to suitable weather and the attractiveness of our wave and tidal deploy their devices in Welsh waters excellent research and sea conditions, that we will see our first test and demonstration zones through are encouraged to use MRESF to obtain innovation facilities. We are tidal stream device – DeltaStream Ysbryd y their management and promotion. Menter information on our key resource areas and working across the Welsh Môr – in the water in the near future. Môn will manage the tidal stream zone off potential development constraints. Government to ensure Anglesey while Wave Hub will manage our a flexible and responsive DeltaStream is a full-scale demonstrator wave zone off Pembrokeshire. The Welsh Funding approach that supports device, developed by Cardiff based Government is working closely with both to Funding is key for a successful marine the pioneers in wave and Tidal Energy Ltd and backed by £8M attract developers to our waters. industry. The European Regional tidal energy as we move of European funds delivered through Development Fund (ERDF), delivered towards a low carbon the Welsh Government. It is due to Swedish based Minesto, developer of the through the Welsh Government has energy future for Wales. be deployed in Ramsey Sound, off the Deep Green tidal kite, has also secured assisted a number of projects in Wales and coast of Pembrokeshire. Our deploy and seabed rights off the coast of Holyhead, with the recent approval by the European monitor approach to consenting in Wales North Wales. Commission of the ERDF programmes has been used for DeltaStream to allow 2014-2020 for Wales, there will be further Tidal Energy Ltd and the marine sector to New opportunity opportunities to support energy efficiency gather environmental information about Lagoon technology is presenting Wales and renewable energy, including marine how devices interact with the marine with an interesting new opportunity to energy. environment. This information will be used harness the untapped tidal range resource. to enhance our knowledge of possible We currently have one project, Swansea Shared goals impacts and will assist with the consenting Bay Tidal Lagoon, in the planning system. If By working in partnership towards shared of future devices. consented, the 320MW lagoon would be goals we can build on the great progress on Support the world’s first man-made tidal lagoon, our journey towards creating a sustainable, I recognise that marine technology is at When operational, DeltaStream will provide offering not only predictable low carbon low carbon future; in 2012 we generated a pre-commercial development phase clean, predictable and reliable low carbon energy but also a recreational and tourism the equivalent of 18% of our electricity and needs significant support from energy through a cable connection to the amenity. consumption from renewable sources. Government. One example of the support Local Distribution Network. that my department is able to provide is Marine energy will add to our energy mix our work with the industry, the Crown and play an important role in providing Estate, Natural Resources Wales and key clean, predictable and reliable power now partners to overcome consenting risks and and for future generations. PAGE uncertainties.

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West Anglesey Demonstration Zone the Morlais project

The West Anglesey Demonstration The proposed arrangement is that the tenant Export connection objectives Zone is an area which has been developer will pay a seabed rent to Menter The objective is to provision the onshore identified by the Crown Estate in Môn; the majority of which will be paid on distribution network, including consents consultation with statutory and other to Crown Estate as per any other UK based and construction, a shore station and stakeholders as being a suitable marine energy project. In addition to this, potentially the subsea export assets from location for the installation of marine Menter Môn will be able to charge tenants the Zone to shore. energy devices in the short to medium an additional direct rental in respect of any term. The Zone has a good tidal current ‘added value’ which is on offer to tenants. Consenting objectives resource and a low wave regime. Obtaining permission to install marine Basic site summary energy projects is a critical factor in Morlais concept the deployment of large scale arrays of The project is designed to de-risk the machines. By progressing the consenting up front development costs associated Depth Extents of 30-50m LAT with process in the zone, Morlais intends to… with tidal sites and hence attract some of 2 localised shallower areas. the first tidal energy array projects in the Generally around 40m • Prioritise the environment to ensure UK. These are intended to range from sustainable development of the zone Technology Demonstration projects which Flow Speed Modelled at 3.5-5.5kts Vmsp, • Help to manage stakeholder interests to would be up to about 3MW in capacity up Generally expected to be make best use of the zone to full scale Commercial Arrays of 30MW. faster towards the north • Attract developers to the zone to secure benefits for Anglesey It is intended that the first of these projects Seabed Sand with rocky outcrops • Increase developer collaboration and could be installed in the next 2 to 3 years Characteristics information sharing with a full deployment up to around • Reduce consenting risk to tidal energy 100MW installed within the next decade. Environmental No major navigation routes, projects coming into the zone Considerations two existing subsea cable • Accelerate deployment of tidal energy Outline commercial routes pass through zone. No in the zone arrangements SPA or Ramsar within Zone. Menter Môn is a third sector organisation Diving bird colonies on Holy The route to progressing consent in the based on Anglesey and has been awarded Island. Zone will involve large scale data collection a seabed lease for the Zone by the Crown and aim to greatly simplify the consenting Estate. This is initially for 45 years to provide process for potential tenants. security over the long term. Menter Môn is running the Morlais Project and aims to Menter Môn sub-lease areas within the zone to Project Developers.

Image courtesy of: Geraint Thomas PAGE

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Specification The interconnecting 15 metre steel tube sections of the triangular base-frame were over 2 metres in diameter and 20 mm thick and connected to fabricated interconnecting nodes incorporating a patented rock penetrating foot assembly designed to secure the structure to the ocean bed.

The nacelle assembly was fabricated and fitted out with the gearbox, drive train and generator by Mustang’s experienced Tidal Energy fitters and electricians in a clean fabrication hall. The nacelle attached to a heavily constructed yaw assembly incorporating the Limited Case main pintle casting and hydraulic system. Installation This complete assembly was lowered into the base-frame, followed by connection of the main power electrical cables and rotor Study assembly. Mustang’s facilities comprise of two covered and two open slipways, a ro-ro slipway, a wet basin and three build sheds which enables Mustang to build and launch Mustang Marine is renowned for building vessels straight into the Milford Haven rugged, reliable workboats in their deep waterway. water facilities at Pembroke Dock. When The waterway provides perfect access to TEL issued an invitation to tender for the the installation site at Ramsey Sound, which fabrication of their tidal energy device, is located just north of the mouth of the Mustang Marine quickly realised that their Haven. design, fabrication, welding, engineering Proven ability and systems capabilities developed over 30 Mustang Marine has further developed years in the industry made them ideal for their competences/skills building the DeltaStream device and is one of the very this project and returned a bid submission few businesses with the proven ability to that demonstrated their ability to satisfy build marine renewable devices capable of the requirements of the project. operating in the harsh environment of the waters surrounding the British Isles.

Contract award The company is looking forward to building Mustang Marine Limited was delighted to be awarded the contract to build the further devices for Tidal Energy Ltd and DeltaStream tidal energy device late last year and commenced fabrication of sub-assemblies would welcome the opportunity to build in their suitably equipped workshops. From here, each item was grit blasted and coated other energy devices in their boatyard. with MGDuff Zinguard anticorrosion finish before being transported to the quayside at Pembroke Port for assembly. Mustang Marine

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Marine Energy Annual seminars MEP has also hosted fully booked annual Project Director of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP) seminars since 2010 with targeted Pembrokeshire, David Jones, said “Wales candidates attending from around the is entering a critical phase in the growth world. The event provides industry, of marine renewable energy. There Wales’ profile as an ideal location Government and statutory advisors with is increasing developer interest, new for marine renewables has increased MEP working group greater clarity on the current status and structural funds prioritising marine dramatically in recent years, due in The MEP working group, comprised of future plans for marine renewables in energy and Demonstration Zones part to the collaborative work by MEP technology developers, supply chain, Wales. It also provides unique networking for wave (Pembrokeshire) and tidal and its members. Since its inception academia and the public sector provides opportunities for the sector and has (Anglesey). Our last meeting saw in 2010, MEP’s main objectives a single point of access for marine energy Ministerial presence each year. With a 90km2 area of sea bed and a wave new developers join us from America, have been to provide support and interests in Wales. The success of this resource of 19 kW/m, it has the potential to Australia, Singapore and Sweden. We guidance for the Welsh marine collaboration is highlighted by the number This year’s seminar, which will be held support the demonstration of wave arrays were very pleased to be shortlisted for energy industry. The current project of businesses and organisations who are in March 2015 promises to be equally with a generating capacity of up to 30MW this award, and delighted that two of work plan shaped by industry and now members. informative. for each project. Third party management our members won an award - Tidal funders includes promoting Welsh for the site is a collaborative approach being Energy Limited (Best Small Company) capability and attracting investment Originally comprising of 8 individuals in 2010, South Pembrokeshire Wave led by Wave Hub and partners including and Pembroke Port (Most Supportive to Wales, bespoke business support, the working group now welcomes over 60 Demonstration Zone MEP, Pembroke Port and Pembrokeshire Supply Chain Company), highlighting research co-ordination, developing members including Welsh Government, In July 2014, MEP was named as the local County Council. that collaboration is key and that consents guidance and consenting The Crown Estate, RenewableUK, Natural partner for the South Pembrokeshire momentum in Wales is increasing.” recommendations for Government. Resources Wales, as well as all wave and tidal Wave Demonstration Zone. These zones Expertise developers with an interest in Wales. The have been leased out by the Crown Estate The wealth of expertise in this collaborative group meets regularly to discuss and share with the goal of accelerating technology environment has already achieved a huge Marine Energy development opportunities and best practice development. The Pembrokeshire amount for Pembrokeshire, Wales and the Pembrokeshire on specific topics. Demonstration Zone is located 13km off UK. the South Pembrokeshire coast. Click to view more info Recognition The work of MEP was recognised at the 2014 Tidal Today Energy Awards in November with MEP being shortlisted for the best example of industry collaboration.

MEP image Ramsey sound - Dave Alexander

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Wave Energy research Cost savings for developers One of the biggest challenges facing the renewables industry is managing costs. At the commercial end it is about making the price attractive to the consumer by driving down the £/kWh, while at the developmental stages (where wave and tidal for Pembrokeshire energy currently resides) it is a balance between applying significant investment to drive the project forward while avoiding wasted expenditure. LCRI Marine, a collaboration of all the In July they announced the creation of State-of-the-art directional leading academic marine institutions in six demonstration zones for wave and waverider buoy Wales, is a project that aims to enable tidal energy around the UK coast, with LCRI Marine recently purchased and and support a sustainable marine two located in Wales; wave energy in installed a state-of-the-art directional energy sector in Wales by providing Pembrokeshire and tidal energy off waverider buoy which provides a much independent and world-class research. Anglesey. more detailed description of the sea state, enabling both industrial developers The group are involved in the development Location attraction and potential investors to have greater and application of tools which optimise the Pembrokeshire is particularly attractive confidence in the suitability of the area. performance of the technology that recover for the development of commercial wave energy from waves, tidal streams and tidal energy extraction projects due to the The new buoy not only provides wave height ranges around the Welsh coast. In particular proximity to port facilities in Milford Haven information but, crucially, information about they consider the likely effects that these and strong electrical grid connections. the wave spectra. Wave spectra describe devices have on the environment and the Detailed knowledge of the wave conditions the energy within different frequencies of a effect that the environment has on devices. however is lacking, which hinders accurate given wave condition and is vital for wave estimates of wave energy extraction levels. energy developers to predict how well their Project While there has been a wave buoy off the devices will work in a given area. The project which is led through Swansea coast of Pembrokeshire for many years, it University’s College of Engineering, does not provide adequate information for Computer simulations is helping to promote the waters off the renewables industry to have high levels Additionally the LCRI marine project is Pembrokeshire for electricity generation of confidence. setting up computer simulations of the from wave power. This region has recently region so that spatial variability in resource been highlighted as an area of excellence about the region can be quantified and for wave power, via the creation of The the areas that are most suitable for project Crown Estate Wave Demonstration Zone. development identified. Collaboration This ultimately means that they can focus Options Commercial viability A key area that allows developers to their energy on device development rather The port also offers developers a variety of manage costs is collaborative working than waiting on distant suppliers. options for internal and external spaces for It is believed that this study will within the supply chain. As members laydown and specialist fabrication - allowing demonstrate the commercial viability of of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire and Port specifics the device to remain in one location during wave energy extraction in the area and a key infrastructure provider within Importantly, the port is an unrestricted test phases, deployment, operations and hence encourage investment in Welsh Pembrokeshire and the Haven’s Enterprise access, deep water site within easy through to decommissioning. based projects and lead to growth of the Zone, Pembroke Port collaborates with steaming distance of superb marine energy renewables industry in the region. the other members of the supply chain to resources. It is a secure site, yet accessible Not only does this offer an excellent identify where, by working alongside each around the clock and throughout the year. opportunity to manage logistics costs but Iain Fairley other, they can help de-risk projects and This flexibility is often crucial in the early also, by maintaining a base close to water LCRI Marine give developers a competitive edge. stages, with port operatives on hand to and a skilled supply chain, means that early receive and unload components and giving stage in-water tests can be carried out Supply chain access developers the ability to access their devices quayside resulting in significant cost savings As Tidal Energy Limited develops the tidal as and when required. and potentially, a faster development phase. energy device, DeltaStream, they can access a full supply chain on site and in the Pembroke Port surrounding area. Such proximity and close working means that delays are minimised PAGE and less time and money is wasted mobilising supply chain companies to site.

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Partnership appointed Expert marine advice JBA Consulting and Partrac will provide expert advice on coastal/physical process to Natural Resources and water quality aspects of marine and Continued relationship coastal casework, in particular marine Commenting on the appointment, Dr Partrac renewable energy proposals. This will Mark Lawless, Director at JBA Consulting include recommendations for data said “We are delighted with the Click to view more info Wales’ Marine and Coastal collection/collation, analysis, modelling appointment and look forward to and interpretation to ensure that a continuing our relationship with NRW robust impact assessment is undertaken. and our Strategic Partner, Partrac. The JBA Consulting Framework Agreement Marine infrastructure Further responsibilities will be to review combination of JBA’s expert modelling projects hub detailed modelling outputs and advise on skills and Partrac’s innovative and With its extensive coastline, strategically robustness/validity. highly experienced data acquisition One of the UK’s leading environmental and located deep ports and ambitious experience, means we are ideally engineering consultancies, JBA Consulting renewable energy targets, Wales is placed to provide holistic advice on and its strategic partner, marine experts becoming a hub for major coastal and the physical and geomorphological marine infrastructure projects. As a result, processes which are associated with Partrac, have been appointed by Natural NRW is increasingly required to advise coastal and marine developments. Resources Wales (NRW) as independent on complex and technically challenging projects such as the proposed tidal “Our project team has delivered more specialists on its Marine and Coastal lagoons around the coast of Wales. In than 100 marine and coastal related Casework Framework. The partnership order to ensure that the advice provided projects in Wales and throughout the to the Welsh and other UK Governments, UK over the past 10 years. Through this will provide a range of services under developers and other stakeholders is to work, we have developed an in depth the Framework’s Coastal/Marine Physical the highest standard, NRW has sought understanding and knowledge of the Processes and Geomorphology Lot. independent expert input in a range of UK marine and coastal environment areas. and are eager to apply these skills to the varied and pioneering projects being developed in Welsh waters.”

The Framework will remain in place until 2018.

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Towards commercialisation Location Invented by an engineer at Swedish aircraft Can Wales Wales has 1,200 kilometres of coastline manufacturer Saab in 2001 and spun-off that is very rich in low velocity tidal currents, into marine energy by Nordic technology which makes the area one of the most company Minesto since 2007, Deep Green The project will now proceed with in depth suitable places in the world for low velocity has now taken an important step towards environmental studies, detailed seabed take the lead in mapping, cable routing and commercial tidal energy, holding a potential of several commercialisation. The Deep Green power 1000’s of MW, which in turn also makes it plant is comprised of a wing and a turbine, activities. The Holyhead Deep site is located ideal for an innovation such as Deep Green. which is secured to the seabed with a approximately seven kilometres from the marine energy? tether and moves with high speed in an Welsh shore where the water depth is Infrastructure 8-shaped path in the tidal or ocean current, 80-90 metres and the tidal currents are 1.5- Minesto´s Deep Green power plant has attracted much attention lately from the In addition, Wales also has strategically reaching a speed ten times higher than the 2.5m/s. The area has been carefully selected global marine energy industry and media. Early in 2014 it also became known that located deep-sea ports and access to the ocean current speed. The unique ability to to maintain separation from shipping lanes The Crown Estate, manager of the UK seabed, awarded an ‘Agreement for Lease’ national UK grid. The access to the UK grid increase the relative flow by a factor of 10 and to minimise the impact on other sea for a commercial demonstration site for Deep Green to produce electricity from is of special importance since it reduces the makes it possible to produce electricity from users. tidal currents. time for commercial roll-out and most likely low velocity tidal and ocean currents, 1.2- will contribute to make Wales the leading 2.5 m/s, where no other known technology Reliable energy sources Carried out according to plan, Swedish marine energy company Minesto will set region for marine energy in the UK. For operates cost-effectively. The energy output Safe and reliable energy sources are of up a 10MW marine energy array in 2016, providing electricity to approximately Wales this could have a huge impact on is increased by a factor of 1,000 since the high strategic value. Global investments in 8,000 households and could make Wales a world leader in marine energy. the economy. A report commissioned by velocity and energy has a cubic relationship. renewable energy have increased by over the Welsh government shows that marine 430 per cent from 2004 to 2012, totalling Experience energy could boost the Welsh economy by Breakthrough more than $214 billion in 2012. Many After producing electricity for almost a up to £840m annually after 1GW has been The breakthrough ocean trials with a nations can move away from unsustainable year in the waters of Strangford Lough, deployed. 1:4 scale Deep Green power plant in energy import dependency to a healthy and Northern Ireland, Minesto was appointed in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland proves secure supply of clean energy – good not The Crown Estate’s wave and tidal stream Technical and innovation cost-effective power production from slow only for them but also for the entire planet. leasing round. For Minesto this calls to start support currents. The trials also proves that Deep In this process, marine energy has a big part the installation of a 10MW marine energy The Carbon Trust, which has provided Green overcomes the challenges with slow to play not only in Wales. array in 2016 in The Holyhead Deep outside technical and innovation support to currents and deep sites and provides a It is simply too clean and too beneficial to of the Welsh coast. Minesto since 2007, were very excited solution that will be able to make countries the planet and its inhabitants to be ignored to see that they were appointed the like the USA, South Africa and Taiwan by politicians, investors and the global “By providing these additional seabed Agreement for Lease since their innovative carbon neutral and independent energy energy industry. For Wales, who choose rights we are pleased to be enabling technology has the potential to significantly producers, instead of hugely dependent on to embrace marine energy, it can lead to further technology development and expand the UK’s tidal resource, by fossil based and imported energy. a massive job creation, increased revenues commercialisation, which will be critical unlocking lower velocity tidal flows and and a more sustainable energy production. if the UK is to unlock its significant lowering the cost of marine energy, but World leader natural resources for wave and tidal also opens the route to commercial roll-out For Minesto this underpins the company’s Anders Jansson current energy.” Those were the words of the technology. position as the world leader for energy CEO of Rob Hastings, Director of Energy and production from low flow tidal and ocean Minesto Infrastructure at The Crown Estate, when currents and the company will now actively announcing the exclusive ‘Agreement for work together with local partners to ensure Lease’ in July 2014. that Wales becomes a leading region for marine energy. 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HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE TIDES

At 320MW installed capacity, with first power expected in 2018, Economic studies will be the largest marine energy Harnessing development in the world. Developed by Tidal Lagoon Power Limited, it will have an entirely predictable 495GWh output each year of clean, green electricity and will power more than 155,000 homes for 120 years – that’s about 11% of Wales’ domestic electricity.

Tidal Lagoon Power plans to follow with five full-scale tidal lagoons inU K waters; generating up to 8% of the UK’s the power electricity requirements from the fleet. Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive of Tidal Lagoon Power explains how the Swansea of the tides Bay Tidal Lagoon could change the shape of the UK’s future energy mix.

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HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE TIDES

Construction phase First of its kind The construction phase alone will generate Although the Lagoon is the first of its kind, about 1900 full time equivalent jobs in all component parts of the project have been construction, followed by 181 jobs in proven elsewhere in the world, keeping A new industry operations and associated leisure activities. technology challenges and risks low. Economic studies have found that the Importantly, construction phase would deliver £316m The general sequence is as follows… Gross Value Added, with each year of An island nation Swansea Bay Tidal operation contributing a further £76m GVA. Simple logic We are an island nation with a largely • With flood generation the lagoon is Further studies found that tidal lagoons untapped marine energy resource, yet in empty and the turbines and sluice gates Lagoon represents Heart of the community can offer large-scale, low carbon power at 2012, renewables provided just 11.3% of are closed the beginning of a Furthermore, with some 86% of local a significantly cheaper price than offshore electricity generation and we know that • The sea level rises and when it reaches people in support of the lagoon, this is wind. The more water we impound, the Britain’s electricity reserve generating margin about 4 to 5 metres above the lagoon whole new industry energy infrastructure that will be at the more power we produce, the less support could fall to as low as 2% by the winter of water level, the turbines are opened heart of the community. It will stimulate we require. It really is that simple. And 2015/16. It’s not such a tricky puzzle to • While the lagoon is filled through the in South West regeneration, culture and education, leisure with an operating life of over one hundred solve. turbines, electricity is generated and tourism. Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and twenty years, tidal lagoons offer future • When the head difference drops Wales. The aim is will be a catalyst for social and economic generations even lower cost electricity Tidal lagoon power is a renewable down to about one metre, the power growth; providing a diverse public amenity, following an initial period of strike price technology which uses the rise and fall of generation and flow through the to source around a dramatic sporting and cultural venue and support. the tides to generate electricity. While no turbines reduces quickly a magnet for tourism. tidal lagoon has ever been built before, • In order to let as much water in for half of the content Something positive for all tidal range turbine technology has been the next tidal cycle, sluices are opened for the project – Follow up lagoons Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon will be a in operation in barrage schemes since the to quickly fill the lagoon to a maximum It is the intention to follow Swansea Bay ground-breaking infrastructure project, 1960’s. level or approximately with five full-scale lagoons. Early feasibility with something positive to offer everyone • When the sea level equals the studies are already underway in a number living in the Swansea Bay area. But the New journey lagoon level, the turbine and sluice £500m of capital of locations throughout the UK with survey implications of this project run far deeper: Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon marks the start gates are closed. This marks the start of work and data gathering having begun it will open up a new option for secure, of a new journey for Swansea, for Wales ebb generation, where exactly the expenditure – to inform proposals, support engineering affordable and sustainable electricity and for the UK as a whole. We have a reverse sequence takes place designs and act as a foundation for generation in the UK and beyond. fantastic opportunity to deliver clean, green in Wales itself. environmental assessments. Continuing and predictable electricity from a network Predictability to work in partnership with a wide range Mark Shorrock of lagoons. With differing high tide times Because the tidal water levels are entirely Overall UK content of stakeholders to achieve an optimal Chief Executive around UK, the fleet could offer a 24 hour predictable, it is possible to compute the for the project balance between power output, economic Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon continuous renewable electricity source. expected energy output for years to come. profile, environmental sensitivity and social Through an ongoing process of operational could be as high acceptance. If successful, they can deliver 8% Click to view more info At Swansea Bay, we will generate in both optimisation, the expected power output of the UK’s electricity demand for 120 years. ebb and flood conditions, employing for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon is to as 65%. This will = Click to view video turbines that can work efficiently in both exceed 495 GWh per annum, enough to Economic studies flow directions to make the most of the power more than 155,000 homes. That’s mean new jobs in Economic studies have demonstrated that natural resource available. about 11% of Wales’ domestic use. the fleet of six lagoons would contribute traditional skill-sets £27bn to UK GDP during construction Lagoon specifications alone. In operation, they would secure The total length of the lagoon wall is about as well as cutting- long-term, diversely skilled, industrial 10km, with 9.5km of bund wall and 400m edge design and employment for local people and iconic of concrete structures housing 16 turbines energy infrastructure at the heart of the and 8 sluice gates. It encloses an area of engineering. community. about 11.5km2 of sea water.

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HARNESSING THE POWER OF

Investment THE TIDES Prudential’s long-term insurance funds will Project provide the funding through its European The project will generate over 495GWh of asset management arm, M&G Investments. Investment of £1 billion for Swansea electricity every year for 120 years, enough In the UK, Prudential currently manages to provide nearly all of the domestic around £25.8 billion of direct infrastructure electricity for the Swansea Bay region. The investments. Major milestone Bay Tidal Power Station project will also help the UK meet its carbon Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive, reduction targets by saving more than Tidjane Thiam, Group Chief Executive, Tidal Lagoon Power Ltd, said: “Securing 236,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. Prudential plc said: “The financing the backing of a world-renowned Prudential becomes cornerstone investor in world-leading infrastructure project – the first step in a tidal energy network of this power station is emblematic investment institution marks another which aims to generate up to 8% of the UK’s electricity and a world-leading infrastructure development designed to The construction of the power station is of the role that Prudential plays in major milestone for the Swansea Bay generate electricity by harnessing the power of the sea. scheduled to begin in 2015 and will create transforming the hard-earned savings project and is a clear endorsement of almost 2,000 jobs. of millions of our customers into long- our vision to introduce tidal lagoon Significant step term, productive investment in the UK infrastructure into the UK’s low carbon The company’s commitment is a significant step to securing the future of the power economy. energy mix. Tidal lagoons will employ station, which will become the world’s largest tidal energy provider when it opens in British industry to harness a British 2018. It will also form the first step in the development of a network of coastal lagoons “Such investments provide our natural resource and return profits to which could generate up to 8% of the UK’s electricity needs. customers with strong and sustainable British institutions.” returns, create good jobs and The deal forms part of Prudential’s commitment increase productivity and economic Prudential plc to invest alongside five other major UK competitiveness. Prudential is insurance companies a total of £25 billion in the committed to invest in infrastructure UK’s infrastructure over the next four years. projects that benefit the national economy. We are also proud to play our part in the development of this world- leading renewable energy technology.”

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HARNESSING THE POWER OF Non-Executive Chairman of Tidal THE TIDES Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc appointed

Keith Clarke CBE, FREng, FICE, His other current roles include: Non- RIBA, was recently named as Executive Director, Future Cities Catapult; Non-Executive Chairman of Tidal Chair, Forum for the Future; Non-Executive Huge asset Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc (TLSB), Director, EngineeringUK; Adviser, And concluded; “Keith understands the company preparing to begin InfrastructureUK; Non-Executive Director the challenges of building large construction of the world’s first tidal Sirius Minerals; Member of Advisory Board, infrastructures and the climate lagoon power plant in spring 2015. Environmental Change Institute, Oxford; imperative to do so in a low carbon Vice President (Learned Society), Institution manner. And he has grown exceptional Experience of Civil Engineers; Visiting Professor, teams to achieve exceptional results. With more than forty years’ experience, Imperial College and Aston University. He’ll be a huge asset for us.” Keith has worked in all sectors of the UK and international construction industry, Exciting project Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon including Government. As Executive Keith Clarke, Non-Executive Chairman of Vice President of Skanska AB he was Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc commented; Click to view more info responsible for both Middle East and “This is an extremely exciting project specialist contracting services in the whose time has come. It will set the = Click to view video UK, Hong Kong, China, Poland, Czech standard for a new kind of energy Republic, India and South Africa, as infrastructure and has truly global well as group-wide code of conduct, implications. It is the right project at sustainability and competition policies. the right time for me and I am relishing the prospect of getting back into major Prior to this he was Chief Executive of project delivery and building a best-in- Trafalgar House Construction and then class team.” Kvaerner Construction, leading both organisations to growth and has held Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive of Tidal executive positions at Olympia & York Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc added; “We and New York City Public Development want the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon to Corporation, as well as working as an establish a blueprint for a series of tidal adviser to the Qatari Government. lagoons that allow the UK to harness its incredible range resource. WS Atkins As Chief Executive of the UK’s largest engineering consultants WS Atkins for the 8 years to 2011, Keith led the business to considerable growth, increasing revenue by forty percent and supporting its investment in the Middle East and its involvement in the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. He is also credited with shaping Atkins to respond to opportunities created by the low carbon economy. PAGE

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One year study The work is being undertaken within The one year study will also provide Bangor University’s Centre for Applied assistance to regeneration company Menter Marine Sciences (CAMS) and utilises Research in the North Wales Môn, who manage of the zone and resources based within the School of Ocean It is also envisaged that the research will Swedish tidal energy developers Minesto, Sciences in Menai Bridge, including the R.V. contribute to assessing the hydrodynamic who lease an area to the northwest, in Prince Madog to investigate the physical resource and predict potential Demonstration Zone relation to their ongoing Deep Green and biological characteristics of the region environmental impacts as well as facilitating project. encompassing the zone. grid connection projects and assisting in any associated consenting processes. Interesting initial findings Initial multibeam and sub-bottom surveys Deployment funding have revealed surprising details as to The funding has resulted in the deployment the variability of the seabed in a region of a wave buoy within the zone, which characterised by exceptionally fast tidal provides real-time data via the CEFAS currents, including the presence of a WaveNet programme. Several new 5 beam number of sand waves covering large areas ADCP systems have also been deployed, of the southern part of the zone. which will facilitate research into aspects of turbulence and wave-current interactions The work has also revealed the nature and in regions characterised by high tidal precise extent of outcropping bedrock velocities. within the northern region. This initial work, coupled with ongoing state-of-the- The latest video and acoustic monitoring art hydro-dynamical modelling studies, will technologies are also being utilised in order further underpin research into sediment to conduct research into many aspects of transport and ecology that will be crucial marine ecology, including marine mammal in helping Menter Môn, Minesto and behaviour. Near-shore processes are other prospective developers determine also being investigated, using the latest optimum sites within the zone for potential generation of acoustic instrumentation development. to measure waves, currents, turbulence, suspended sediment flux and bed-level change in shallow-water areas.

Unique research This unique research project will result in a data set that will make this zone one of the most comprehensively understood regions within Welsh territorial waters and contribute significantly to addressing knowledge gaps in our understanding of marine environmental processes and associated offshore marine renewable energy developments.

SEACAMS (Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors) The Bangor University led SEACAMS project (Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors) has secured funding from the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) to undertake research in the West Anglesey wave and tidal demonstration zone. PAGE

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Project aim Utilising the plentiful resources of the Leading the way country to produce clean and sustainable renewable energy is an important aim With its 1,317 miles of coastline, Wales is playing a vital part in the development of this project. Together with the jobs Read more about of the tidal energy industry. In a series of ‘firsts’, Cardiff-based tidal stream created, the advances in technology and technology company Tidal Energy Ltd (TEL) and its innovative DeltaStream engineering that are emerging from the these companies device are leading the way in this vital area of renewable energy production. working partnerships involved in design and The DeltaStream is amongst the world’s first demonstration devices to generate production and the support of the Welsh green, sustainable and predictable tidal power. Government, the DeltaStream project is proving to be a model for tidal energy Specification An extensive suite of monitoring equipment production not only for Wales, but the Invented by Pembrokeshire engineer will also be installed on and around the United Kingdom as a whole. With a tidal Richard Ayre, the patented DeltaStream device in situ. shoreline of 11,072 miles, that presents a design consists of three independent great deal of opportunity in this sector. 400kW nacelles mounted on a triangular Financial support Click to view Click to view frame which sits on the seabed and weighs Securing the required funding is a key part Tidal Energy Ltd (TEL) more info more info around 150 tonnes with a frame 16m long of any successful development initiative and by 20m high. The company is also working the DeltaStream is the first private marine with contractors to install the necessary project to be fully developed in Wales. infrastructure to support what will be the Crucially, it has secured significant funding first grid-connected freestanding tidal from the Welsh Government through its turbine. Welsh Government European Funding Office (WEFO). Founding partners 2015 Green energy awards This led to the company receiving a major Finance invested has been match-funded by accolade from Renewable UK’s Wales Tidal Energy’s majority shareholder, Welsh Green Energy Awards in the ‘Supply renewable energy company Eco2 Ltd. Chain Development’ category in October Further support has been granted through 2014. They were also awarded ‘Best Small the Welsh Government’s SMARTCymru Company’ in the International Tidal Today programme which is funded by the Awards 2014. The installation process, European Regional Development where the turbine and foundation are Fund (ERDF). installed together, will be another cutting- edge step in the development of this This funding, from the Industrial Research project. category, will be used to develop removable nacelles, thereby reducing the Location significant operational costs associated with Situated in the waters of Ramsey sound maintenance and further facilitating the in north Pembrokeshire, this is the first continued evolution of the project. project to receive precautionary ‘deploy and monitor’ environmental consent in a designated Marine Special Area of Conservation’. It incorporates a number of design features to minimise any potential impact on the surrounding environment.

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