ESB International (ESBI) is investing in a pioneering tidal energy project that will shortly install the world’s first commercial scale tidal power generating device in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. ESBI is investing Eur4 million in Marine Current Turbines (MCT), the company that has designed and developed the tidal stream device known as SeaGen.

MCT was founded in 2000 and is a world leader in the development of tidal current turbines. ESB’s involvement signals its continuing commitment to the development of renewable energy technologies.

Once the 1.2 megawatt SeaGen turbine has been successfully deployed in the water, it will generate one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable forms of energy with zero carbon emissions. It will be capable of providing enough clean electricity to power 1,000 homes.

ESB’s retail subsidiary, ESB Independent Energy has signed a five year Power Purchase Agreement to buy all the electricity output from the SeaGen tidal facility which will be sold as part of its green energy offering to its customers. ESB will be one of the first utilities in the world to provide tidal energy to its customers.

The SeaGen device in Strangford Lough will form the basis of the technology that will be used to develop commercial scale tidal stream projects over the coming years.

Source: enviroireland.com 

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