County loses tidal project (From Western Telegraph)

County loses tidal project

PEMBROKESHIRE is to lose out on a pioneering tidal energy scheme , which would have provided electricity for the whole of the St Davids peninsula.

THGL, the company which designed the energy-generating turbines, has failed to secure funding from the National Assembly Government.

Trials were held in the Milford Haven Waterway and the turbines would have been situated off the coast of St Davids in Ramsey Sound.

The sustainable energy-producing project was unsuccessful in obtaining funding from the Welsh European Funding Organisation.

The system would have produced 3.5 megawatts - the five turbines being designed to harness tidal energy and turn it into electricity.

Steve Mccrone, of THGL, said: "We are very disappointed that we were unable to secure funding for the project, despite the unwavering support and help from Pembrokeshire National Park.

"The project is still viable and the design and technology is developed enough to take the scheme forward and we do have a contingency plan.

"We are applying to commercial organisations now and are looking to develop the project in the River Severn. It is just a shame that Pembrokeshire is not to benefit from this innovative scheme."

A National Park Authority spokesman said: "The authority is disappointed to learn that further funding has not been forthcoming for the project.

"Tidal energy is an important area to explore for renewable energy sources, with minimal implications to the landscape and environment.

"The authority was involved in the first stages of this project, by providing key funding from its sustainable development fund which helped with the initial trails carried out in the Haven."