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03/01/2006
Power boost for Strangford Lough
A new project to generate electricity in Strangford Lough was recently given the go ahead following the sucessful development of a prototype system in Devon.
The multi-million pound pilot project by Marine Current Turbines (MCT) will investigate the potential of using the lough's strong currents to generate electricity, and the experimental turbine is due to be installed in Strangford Lough narrows in Autumn 2006.
Welcoming the project, Energy Minister Angela Smith, she said: "This initiative provides a unique opportunity to investigate the potential to generate significant amounts of clean, renewable electricity, which is hugely important for Northern Ireland, and indeed, could be a world exemplar in such technology.
"Tidal turbine technology is one of the key renewable technologies that will help the UK achieve the carbon dioxide emission reduction targets and is a clean, sustainable replacement for ever more expensive fossil fuels."
She added: "This project fits closely with Government's commitment to take action now to support the development and use of renewable forms of energy. The Environment and Energy Fund, announced recently by the Secretary of State, will provide £50 million for both research and development and capital investment in renewables. This will enhance the security and diversity of our energy supply and minimise the overall environmental impacts of energy generation."
Director of Marine Current Turbines, Martin Wright said: "Given the support of Northern Ireland ministers and the DTI for the SeaGen project, we now have a unique opportunity to comprehensively assess the environmental impact of our technology as well as enabling Northern Ireland to showcase the commercial potential of tidal stream energy. Strangford Lough has one of the strongest tidal currents in the UK and Ireland so is a perfect location for us to test a pre-commercial device."
Environmental groups have given a "cautious" welcome to the renewable energy project, but say they will closely scrutinise it to ensure any negative impact on the sensitive environment in the Narows is avoided.
The Environment and Heritage Service of the DOE claims to have fully assessed the project and will work alongside MCT to monitor any potential environmental changes.
The system is expected to be in place on Strangford Lough for the next five years.
(EF/SP)
The multi-million pound pilot project by Marine Current Turbines (MCT) will investigate the potential of using the lough's strong currents to generate electricity, and the experimental turbine is due to be installed in Strangford Lough narrows in Autumn 2006.
Welcoming the project, Energy Minister Angela Smith, she said: "This initiative provides a unique opportunity to investigate the potential to generate significant amounts of clean, renewable electricity, which is hugely important for Northern Ireland, and indeed, could be a world exemplar in such technology.
"Tidal turbine technology is one of the key renewable technologies that will help the UK achieve the carbon dioxide emission reduction targets and is a clean, sustainable replacement for ever more expensive fossil fuels."
She added: "This project fits closely with Government's commitment to take action now to support the development and use of renewable forms of energy. The Environment and Energy Fund, announced recently by the Secretary of State, will provide £50 million for both research and development and capital investment in renewables. This will enhance the security and diversity of our energy supply and minimise the overall environmental impacts of energy generation."
Director of Marine Current Turbines, Martin Wright said: "Given the support of Northern Ireland ministers and the DTI for the SeaGen project, we now have a unique opportunity to comprehensively assess the environmental impact of our technology as well as enabling Northern Ireland to showcase the commercial potential of tidal stream energy. Strangford Lough has one of the strongest tidal currents in the UK and Ireland so is a perfect location for us to test a pre-commercial device."
Environmental groups have given a "cautious" welcome to the renewable energy project, but say they will closely scrutinise it to ensure any negative impact on the sensitive environment in the Narows is avoided.
The Environment and Heritage Service of the DOE claims to have fully assessed the project and will work alongside MCT to monitor any potential environmental changes.
The system is expected to be in place on Strangford Lough for the next five years.
(EF/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
