A COUNTY councillor has expressed his frustration with a pioneering renewable energy project that is still sitting on the dock side in Pembroke Dock.

The Delta Stream turbine was due to be deployed in Ramsey Sound last winter. The company behind it, Tidal Energy Ltd, has said that this was not possible due to poor weather conditions and the delay has led to extra costs.

“The Delta Stream is still sitting on the dock side in Pembroke Dock,” said Councillor Jonathon Nutting at Thursday’s Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee. “The actual thing is supposed to be out in Ramsey Sound and is still sitting there. How are we supposed to be sector leaders with that thing sitting there?”

Councillor Nutting added that rumours were now abounding that the company had run out of money.

“A lot of public money has been put in by the Welsh Office,” he said. “It looks like it is dead in the water. Pembroke Dock is going to lose out.”

Director of Development Dr Steven Jones added that it would be nice if communications between the company and the council was more “open and transparent”.

A third recommendation was added to the committee’s actions on marine energy, stating that the committee was concerned at the slow progress of Delta Stream and that they would request an update.

Tidal Energy Ltd told the Western Telegraph that it was proud of and committed to the project, as well as a planned 10MW commercial array scheme off St Davids Head, but that it was currently reviewing the Delta Stream’s installation options and exploring different revenue streams for deployment.

In the meantime the company has announced revised plans for the deployment of the DeltaStream device in Ramsey Sound.

“The delays have resulted in extra survey work needing to be carried out, which has led to increased costs,” said Martin Murphy, Managing Director.

“We are looking at additional revenue streams for our plans, and are very grateful for the support we have had from the Welsh Government to date. We are continuing to work closely with them.”

Chris Williams, Development Director at Tidal Energy Ltd, added that the turbine was currently being used as a “focal point for marine renewable energy in Pembrokeshire” and had been visited by interested parties from around the world. A tour of the device took place yesterday (Wednesday) as part of the EU’s Sustainable Energy Week.

“Visitors have been impressed by the world-leading craftsmanship that has gone into creating this device,” he said. “It really is acting as a shop-front for the marine renewables industry in Wales.”