Heavy lift: The turbine under construction

THE OFFICIAL short-list for the 2014 Tidal Today Energy Awards has been announced, recognising excellence and outstanding achievements in the tidal sector over the past year. Welsh based projects have been nominated for an impressive total of three awards; Best example of Industry Collaboration (Marine Energy Pembrokeshire), Best Small Company (Tidal Energy Limited) and Most Supportive Supply Chain Company (Pembroke Port).

Elizabeth Demestiha, Project Director at Tidal Today, said: “We are delighted to see that Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, Tidal Energy Ltd and Pembroke Port are finalists for an International Tidal Energy Award, this really demonstrates the momentum that is building for the Welsh marine energy sector, and we hope that this will encourage further collaboration between key players.”

Wales’ profile as an ideal location for marine renewables has increased in recent years, due to the excellent collaborative work by Marine Energy Pembrokeshire and its members. The working group comprised of technology developers, the supply chain, academia and the public sector provides a platform to collaborate on operational solutions such as research, contacts and knowledge exchange.

The success of this collaboration is highlighted by the number of developers and supply chain companies who are now members. Project Director of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, David Jones, said: “Wales is entering a critical phase in the growth of marine renewable energy. There is increasing developer interest, new structural funds prioritising marine energy and Demonstration Zones for wave (Pembrokeshire) and tidal (Anglesey).

Our last meeting saw new developers join us from America, Australia, Singapore and Sweden. We are delighted to be short-listed, particularly alongside Tidal Energy Limited and Pembroke Port who are both members of MEP, highlighting that collaboration is key and that momentum in Wales is increasing.” Nominated for best small company, Tidal Energy Limited uses the DeltaStream technology, conceived by Pembrokeshire Marine Engineer Richard Ayre.

Deployment of the technology, which was fabricated on site by marine engineering experts Mustang Marine, is imminent with all commissioning work complete and the heavy lift barge stationed at Pembroke Port. The project is being used to prove the capability of DeltaStream as a tidal stream generator and will provide evidence on how the device interacts with the environment around it.

During its deployment, the device will be connected to the local distribution network, allowing the electricity generated by it to contribute to the renewable energy targets of the Welsh Government. The importance of collaboration has been further highlighted in the Awards by lgiving recognition to the most supportive supply chain company.

It’s a vital element which helps drive time and cost efficiencies for developers. Pembroke Port plays an important role in the region’s supply chain. The deep water port is within easy steaming distance of the area’s superb marine energy resource and has the onsite flexibility to accommodate renewables projects.

It has been instrumental in encouraging and demonstrating collaborative working with developers and other members of the supply chain. Kevin Hobbs, Short Sea Director at the Port of Milford Haven, has overseen the Tidal Energy Limited project based at the Pembroke Port facility. He said: “This is an exciting time for us all. We know the importance of building strong relationships and are delighted to receive this nomination from our clients, Tidal Energy Limited.”

Claire Palmer, Business Development and Project Manager, explained “Pembrokeshire has a superb marine energy resource and, importantly, has the supply chain services and infrastructure needed by developers in order to fabricate and deploy innovative devices. By working closely together we can fully understand their business and project requirements which means that we can offer them a crucial level of flexibility and, ultimately, time and cost efficiency.”

Alec Don, Chief Executive at the Port, added “Our long term strategy, supported by significant investment, has enabled Pembroke Port to become a key delivery centre for this growing industry and we are already beginning to take enquiries from key industry players. To receive recognition for this from within the industry is a proud moment not just for us, but for the whole of Pembrokeshire and Wales.”

The continuing development of marine energy has huge potential to create sustainable jobs for the region with a recent study by Welsh Government highlighting the impact this new sector could bring. A 30MW wave installation and a 30MW tidal stream installation has the potential to support over £70m of GVA across Wales, based on total investment of £150m. It could also provide 2,000 person-years of employment associated with development and installation, with a further £2m in GVA and 50 FTE jobs per annum throughout the period of generation.

Cllr Jamie Adams, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “Pembrokeshire County Council recognises the critical role that the energy sector plays in the local, regional and national economy and proactively supports developments that help to diversify and sustain the sector and the county’s position as the UK energy capital. Marine renewables offer exciting opportunities for quality local jobs to be created and we’re delighted to be working with partners to help unlock this potential.”