Tidal power generator unveiling hailed as landmark

[EC]

A full-scale tidal power generator aimed at showing the potential for renewable energy is being unveiled in Pembrokeshire.

The underwater turbine in Ramsey Sound will run for a 12-month trial, with its energy powering homes in St Davids.

First Minister Carwyn Jones hailed it as a landmark project, creating jobs and helping meet green energy targets.

Cardiff-based developers Tidal Energy Ltd hope it will support the case for a larger scheme involving nine turbines.
'Significant milestone'

The 150-tonne demonstration device with a frame as high as a seven-storey building has been built in Pembroke Dock by Mustang Marine, recently saved from administration.

It will generate energy from tidal currents on the sea bed.

Tidal Energy Ltd claims the patented DeltaStream device will be Wales' first grid-connected freestanding tidal turbine.

Managing director Martin Murphy said the unveiling of the generator was a significant milestone, marking "the birth of the tidal industry in Wales".

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-28681006

[Oceander]

how heavily was this subsidized?

[EC]

how heavily was this subsidized?

I don't know. We don't exactly have transparency here.

However, as it's a prototype, I would expect 100% of the cost to have been borne by the tax payers. That seems to be the norm, when numbers do get out.

[rangerrebew]

But won't that endanger the rare British royal snobfish, or the deep sea sabertooth crab or the North Sea iceburg hopper?  Are there no animal rights groups to protect endangered (or nonexistent) creatures?

[Chieftain]

Who wants to bet me that the first major North Sea winter storm destroys this thing in a matter of hours??

[rangerrebew]

Who wants to bet me that the first major North Sea winter storm destroys this thing in a matter of hours??

Not I.