EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Isle Of Wight To Become 'Centre Of Global Development' With Tidal Project

There are hopes that the Isle of Wight will be at the centre of an "exciting global project" involving tidal power that could fuel a quarter of the Isle of Wight's homes.

Scroll for an exclusive interview...

Tidal is reliable, predictable and a secure form of energy, according to the Chairman of Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) who is running the project.

Rob Stevens says for those who don’t understand it, the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the waters create the tide, so you can then create electricity.

Rob Stevens explained:

“It will never run out and it will be there forever, almost in total harmony with the environment. It is a very exciting project coming forward trying to get to net-zero by 2050 and the other thing is it will bring long term investment and job opportunities on the Isle of Wight.

“It could put the Isle of Wight right at the centre of global development for this area. In developing a commercial capability it is actually going to drive down the price of tidal energy to make it competitive for all the other forms of renewable energy as well. Islanders should be excited about the project and if they have any doubts they should attend the seminars.”

If approved, work will start in 2023 with plans for it to be up and running by 2025.

Where will it be located?

The project will involve placing around six or seven tidal turbines around two miles offshore between St Catherine's Point and Ventnor, the structure will be around 1.7m and look similar to a boat.

There is a Southern Water station already there, which is where it will be placed so it blends in with the environment.

Where else is this going on?

There are similar projects in North Scotland, the Shetlands and Orkney.

Project delays

The project achieved full consent in 2016, but has since been delayed by a change in government policy when they saw value in tidal energy. Until then the company was put into hibernation but is now ready to bid to produce electricity in 2025.

Now, backed by a partnership with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), funding from TIGER (Tidal Stream Industry Energiser) and anticipated new government support, PTEC plans to be operational by 2025. 

Planning application

The company is in the process of submitting a planning application for the onshore elements of the project to the Isle of Wight council.

If consent is granted, construction work is anticipated to commence in 2023, with plans for the project to be fully operational by 2025. 

Investment for the Isle of Wight 

Chairman of PTEC, Rob Stevens, added:

 “This project will further strengthen the UK’s global leadership in tidal power and strengthen the Island of Wight’s maritime economy with investment and jobs. 

“Once established it will put the Island at the forefront of sustainable marine energy innovation to further enhance its reputation as a marine industry hub.” 

The project is set to generate energy for at least 15 years, resulting in long term investment and revenues which will boost the economy both nationally and locally. 

How can you find out more about the project? 

As PTEC prepares to finalise its plans it is seeking the community’s views on its proposals.

Two webinars are also being held for members of the public to hear direct from the project team and ask any questions.

Pre-bookable telephone appointments are also available: 

Webinars:

• Monday 7 June at 6.00pm
• Tuesday 8 June at 1.30pm
• Telephone appointments: Friday 4 June 

People can find out more about the proposals and provide feedback by visiting the project website, perpetuustidal.com. 

Listen to the full interview with Rob Stevens here.