ESBI and MCT are set to submit a proposal to the forthcoming Marine Leasing Round in Northern Ireland in order to commence formal consenting of the tidal energy project. If successful the initial phase of the tidal power project could be in operation by 2018 with the use of the MCT SeaGen tidal stream turbine.

The ESBI/MCT project could assist Northern Ireland in achieving its marine renewable energy targets as outlined in the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment’s Strategic Action Plan, which calls for 300 MW of tidal energy by 2020.

Padraig McManus, ESBI CEO, says: “Our aim is to use our experience and technical strength to support the development of a viable ocean energy industry in Ireland and this project is an important step in realising that goal.”

The SeaGen tidal turbine has been operating in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough site since April 2008 and by August the tidal turbine had 2 GWh of power to the grid.