The two organisations say they will collaborate on the identification, pursuit, study and delivery of tidal range energy opportunities throughout the world.

The collaboration team has already secured a feasibility study to evaluate options for harnessing tidal energy on the Solway Firth, UK, commissioned by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), together with Scottish Enterprise and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

In addition, coastal modellers, economists and scientists from both companies continue to examine the feasibility of a number of tidal energy schemes under consideration including further exploration of the issues surrounding the development of a River Severn tidal power station.

The initiative will be led by Mott MacDonald's Dr Simon Harrison and Halcrow's Ben Hamer. Dr Simon Harrison is responsible for developing Mott MacDonald's renewable energy business, including wind, biomass, hydropower and other renewable energy sources; while Ben Hamer is a coastal expert and a Director of Halcrow's maritime business.