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Peel Energy has started the Europe-wide search for a team to help select and gain consent for a tidal power project in the Mersey.
Power from the Mersey
Tidal energy in the Mersey estuary could provide enough electricity to supply up to 260,000 homes, a substantial portion of the energy needs of Liverpool and Merseyside. The Mersey estuary is an ecologically diverse and internationally important area – this will be recognised in any proposed scheme.
The primary objective of the power from the Mersey scheme is to deliver maximum affordable energy (or maximum contribution to carbon reduction targets) from the tidal resource in the Mersey estuary with acceptable impacts on environment, shipping, business and the community either by limiting direct impact or by providing acceptable alternatives.
An initial study completed in 2007 confirmed that there are a number of viable options. The Mersey tidal power project aims to identify a preferred option and progress it to the point of being able to apply for the necessary consents and licences in 2011, and ultimately deliver power from the Mersey by 2020.
The selection process
The OJEU Competitive Dialogue procedure will be followed to maintain an open and robust process required for such a significant renewable energy scheme. The OJEU contract notice was published on 18 September. Interested parties have until 27 October to submit their response to the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.
Anthony Hatton, Development Manager – Marine Power, said:
"This is an exciting and important milestone on the path to identifying a scheme that we aim to take to planning in 2011.
"Following the OJEU procedure will be time well spent, and we believe it will set us up to tackle the important environmental, consenting and engineering issues that lie ahead. We would value submissions from all potential consortium teams to help us in this next step."
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