Harnessing Tidal Energy
The Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) is a state-of-the-art tidal energy generation project.
It is the largest consented tidal stream energy project in England and Wales. It will reinforce the UK’s position as a world leader in marine renewables. PTEC’s offshore site will lie around 2.5km south of St Catherine’s Point, Isle of Wight. It will produce up to 30MW (enough to power 15,000 homes), of clean, safe, renewable energy, for export to the UK grid.
The Isle of Wight is the ideal location to develop a marine energy project. With its strong tidal currents the area is suitable for a wide range of tidal technologies and deployment options. The proposed development is a game-changing opportunity. It will create much needed jobs and training opportunities. As well as encourage local investment and diversification of local businesses.
Benefits of tidal energy
PTEC is a state-of-the-art tidal stream energy generation project, attracting international companies. It will make the Isle of Wight a strategic hub for marine energy.
The proposed development will create jobs and training opportunities. Encouraging inward investment and provide diversification opportunities for local businesses.
Where possible, PTEC will source materials and services locally. Utilising the extensive marine and engineering related supply chain on the Island and around the Solent. Evidence from other tidal energy projects suggests that PTEC could create hundreds of jobs. As well as attracting significant investment into the local economy. Opportunities for local businesses will be generated during the construction and operational stages of the project.
The government has stated it wants to produce 15% of the UK’s energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. It is hoped that up to 100MW of tidal stream energy could be deployed in UK waters by 2020 and PTEC could play a significant role in helping to achieve that goal.
The development of PTEC has the potential to bring significant benefits to the Isle of Wight and Solent region.
Further details are provided on the Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre website