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28/03/2008
Tidal Energy World First 'A Step Closer'
Northern Ireland has moved a step closer to having the world's first commercial scale tidal energy system.
Although some days later than anticipated - due to inclement weather - Energy Minister Nigel Dodds has welcomed the arrival of the 80 metre long crane barge, 'RAMBIZ', from Norway, into Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard to complete the work in Strangford Lough.
With a lifting capacity of 3,000 tonnes, the RAMBIZ will collect SeaGen, the 1.2MW tidal generation system, designed by Bristol firm Marine Current Turbines (MCT), and transport it for installation in the fast-flowing waters of the Co Down Lough.
Minister Dodds said: "SeaGen is the world's largest tidal current system and is the first to be connected to a local electricity grid. Once installed, it is expected to generate sufficient, clean renewable electricity for some 1,000 homes here, by using the tides in Strangford Lough.
"Northern Ireland has considerable natural resources, and to date wind farms have been our primary source of renewable energy. It is, however, important to optimise the use of all renewable technologies and the installation of the SeaGen project in Strangford Lough demonstrates the potential for Northern Ireland."
Harland & Wolff shipyard assembled the components of the SeaGen tidal system which MCT plans to install in Strangford Lough within the next two-three weeks, subject to weather conditions and final engineering work. It is planned that the system will come into commercial operation by early summer.
This will follow a 12-week commissioning period, during which a team of environmental scientists from Royal Haskoning, Queen's University Belfast and St Andrew's Sea Mammal Research Unit will closely monitor SeaGen’s operation and its interaction with marine life in Strangford Lough.
See: Strangford Lough Turbine To Power Up At Easter
(JM)(BMcC)
Although some days later than anticipated - due to inclement weather - Energy Minister Nigel Dodds has welcomed the arrival of the 80 metre long crane barge, 'RAMBIZ', from Norway, into Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard to complete the work in Strangford Lough.
With a lifting capacity of 3,000 tonnes, the RAMBIZ will collect SeaGen, the 1.2MW tidal generation system, designed by Bristol firm Marine Current Turbines (MCT), and transport it for installation in the fast-flowing waters of the Co Down Lough.
Minister Dodds said: "SeaGen is the world's largest tidal current system and is the first to be connected to a local electricity grid. Once installed, it is expected to generate sufficient, clean renewable electricity for some 1,000 homes here, by using the tides in Strangford Lough.
"Northern Ireland has considerable natural resources, and to date wind farms have been our primary source of renewable energy. It is, however, important to optimise the use of all renewable technologies and the installation of the SeaGen project in Strangford Lough demonstrates the potential for Northern Ireland."
Harland & Wolff shipyard assembled the components of the SeaGen tidal system which MCT plans to install in Strangford Lough within the next two-three weeks, subject to weather conditions and final engineering work. It is planned that the system will come into commercial operation by early summer.
This will follow a 12-week commissioning period, during which a team of environmental scientists from Royal Haskoning, Queen's University Belfast and St Andrew's Sea Mammal Research Unit will closely monitor SeaGen’s operation and its interaction with marine life in Strangford Lough.
See: Strangford Lough Turbine To Power Up At Easter
(JM)(BMcC)
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Northern Ireland has become the first part of the world to incorporate electricity made by tidal power into the national grid. Green energy with the capacity to supply 150 homes was generated as a test ahead of full-blown production, expected within the next month.
24 July 2008
Strangford Lough Turbine Stalls
Northern Ireland's much anticipated world-first tidal turbine, on Strangford Lough, has hit a glitch. Described as a 'minor hiccup', the fault occurred the day after last Thursday's launch. A Seagen programming problem resulted in one of the blades sustaining damage.
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01 October 2001
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07 June 2007
Tidal turbine confirmed for Strangford narrows
Marine Current Turbines (MCT) has confirmed that installation of its SeaGen commercial tidal energy system will commence during the week of August 20 on Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. At 1.
Tidal turbine confirmed for Strangford narrows
Marine Current Turbines (MCT) has confirmed that installation of its SeaGen commercial tidal energy system will commence during the week of August 20 on Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. At 1.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
