03 February 2010

Solway Energy Gateway - Results from feasibility study launched

Located on the border between Scotland and England, the Solway Firth has been at the centre of an extensive Feasibility Study, to investigate the potential of generating renewable energy from the tidal resource within the estuary.

Initial results have identified nine main options including:
 
• Four barrage options
• Two lagoon options
• Three tidal reef options

Tidal energy in the Solway Firth could generate power for hundreds of thousands of homes but would need significant financial support to proceed, according to the study.

Co-ordinated by Scottish Enterprise, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the ‘Solway Firth Energy Feasibility Study’ assessed the viability of energy extraction from the Solway Firth. The study assessed the current feasibility based on technical, financial, environmental and socio-economic terms.

As the third largest estuary in the UK and the second most powerful tidal estuary after the Severn, the Solway Firth has the potential to accommodate a range of renewable energy generation capacity, from under 100MW to approximately 6GW that could support the UK in rapidly moving towards its 2020 targets for carbon reduction.

Any scheme implemented in the Solway Estuary would contribute significantly to targets for carbon reduction and renewable energy generation.

Any development would result in significant investment and job creation in the region, as well as providing opportunities for niche skills and knowledge development.

Initial results have identified nine main options incorporating a range of technologies including tidal barrage, tidal lagoon and tidal reef. For each of the identified options, associated impacts have been considered, split into technical, environmental and financial limitations.

The next step will be to raise the awareness of the potential with the market by presenting the report at the BWEA Wave and Tidal Conference on the 3rd and 4th March.

David Gass, regional director of Scottish Enterprise said:

“The completion of this study is a key milestone in the project, which will allow us to identify how the Solway Firth can help meet the government’s targets relating to renewable energy generation and carbon reduction.

“The development of the Solway Firth as a source of renewable energy could yield significant economic benefits for the south of Scotland, and the Scottish economy as a whole, through the involvement of local companies in the construction and on-going operational activities.

Bob Churchill, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Socio Economic Development, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority said:

“Renewable technologies will play a vital role in meeting the UK’s future energy needs and can potentially deliver significant economic benefits to local areas.  The NDA continues to work in partnership with NWDA and with Scottish Enterprise to address the socio-economic consequences of nuclear decommissioning for local communities.”

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive, Northwest Regional Development Agency said:

“The completion of this initial feasibility study is just the first step towards informing the decision making on the necessary activities to plan and implement the correct energy generation project in the Solway Firth. The NWDA continues to work with national and regional partners on a range of projects and initiatives as part of our commitment to creating a low carbon economy.”

A copy of the report can be downloaded here from the Solway Energy Gateway website www.solwayenergygateway.co.uk

Any developer or utility interested in more detail is encouraged to speak with Nigel Catterson of nb21c on 07952 568062

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Notes to Editors

For further information please contact:

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Deborah Ward on 01925 802343 or mobile 07980 930838

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has strategic responsibility for the UK's nuclear legacy with the clear aim of decommissioning civil public-sector nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively, while protecting the environment.

The NDA’s Socio Economic Policy, published in 2008, sets out the priorities and criteria for NDA support and also describes how it will work with local agencies and others in taking forward socio-economic initiatives.

Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)

Shelley Tattersall, Press Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk

The Northwest Regional Development Agency works to deliver economic success in England’s Northwest by building the competitiveness of businesses, people and places. Leading the region towards a low carbon economy by ensuring the Northwest reduces its environmental impact, adapts to climate change and capitalises on key business opportunities. For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk/press

Scottish Enterprise

Laura Suárez, Senior Communications Executive on 0141 228 2726 or mobile 07747 007256 or laura.suarez@scotent.co.uk

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s main enterprise, innovation and investment agency. Working in partnership with industry, academia and the public sector, SE aims to help make Scotland a place where business can thrive and key industries can be competitive. Its focus is to help businesses grow, encourage greater innovation and create the right conditions for companies to access property, markets and finance to increase productivity and increase Scotland’s ability to compete internationally.