The requirement for new and renewable energy technologies is being driven by the worlds needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in conjunction with the increasing global energy demands.
The UK is a signatory of Kyoto Protocol, and has taken the step to introduce a climate change bill to make reducing emissions law.
Marine Current Turbines Ltd has been involved with tidal energy technology development since the early 1990’s, initially with the Loch Linhe turbine and more recently with SeaFlow located near Lynmouth, North Devon.
The SeaGen project is the final stage in the technology development prior to installing multiple units in arrays of turbines.
The final Environmental Impact Study was submitted to the regulatory authority, the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in Northern Ireland in June 2005.
The FEPA license for the temporary installation for the SeaGen system for a five year duration was first issued in December 2005, revised in February 2007 and again in February 2008.
Pre-installation environmental monitoring commenced in May 2004. A baseline report has been completed and was submitted to EHS in August 2006. The environmental impact of SeaGen will be continuously monitored by independent science team throughout the licensed 5 year installation period
The project is being managed by Royal Haskoning with Queens University Belfast and the Sea Mammal Research Unit providing the science input.
David Erwin, a well known environmental scientist in Northern Ireland chairs the working science group and stakeholder meetings.
Harland and Wolff were used as the base for operations for the installation in 2008.
The SeaGen components were manufactured in various locations in UK and Europe. The significant subsystems were tested at locations close to Marine Current Turbines office in Bristol prior to being delivered to Harland and Wolff for final system assembly and preparation for installation
