Focus on Energy & Renewables: Bidding Swells at Pentland Firth

Mon 22 Jun 2009

This week saw the Crown Estate announce the number of applications to develop marine and tidal power in the Pentland Firth. Engineering candidates and sub-contractors, not to mention the 20 bidders themselves, will be eagerly awaiting the results later this summer.

In total, the Estate received a total of 42 applications from 20 bidders for wave and tidal energy leases, ranging from 10MW demonstration sites all the way up to the highest band of 200-300 MW commercial sites.

Applications have been received from organisations ranging from small developers through to multi-national energy companies. The Estate has not released specific details of the organisations involved, or the proposals, but there are some companies who have made their intentions public.

In April, Tidal Energy Limited confirmed that it would be submitting a bid for Pentland Firth and it is known that International Power is also interested in developing marine power at the site. Also, Singapore-based Atlantis Resources Corporation is believed to be in discussions with a partner for its proposed 150MW off-grid data centre in the area.

The intention from the Crown Estate is to negotiate with prospective developers during the next few months prior to the awards of agreements to lease. The Engineering job opportunities and potential that this creates is naturally extremely positive.

The Estate has also stated that it is planning to find further UK locations for future wave and tidal energy commercial leasing rounds, which may include further rounds in the Pentland Firth strategic area.

SRG work with several companies in the Wave and Tidal renewable energy sector, if you would like to get in touch with us about this exciting time in the market, please call Ryan Kevelighan on 0161 868 2200 or email ryan.kevelighan@srg.co.uk.