Frequently Asked Questions

Proposal for Tidal Turbine Research Project in Strangford Lough

Marine Current Turbines Ltd. is proposing to install an experimental tidal turbine system in Strangford Lough Narrows in the spring in 2006. This is a research project involving a single monopile system tidal turbine to be installed for a period of between 2 and 5 years, it will then be removed.

Tidal turbine technology has been identified as one of the key renewable energy technologies that will help the UK achieve the CO2 emission reduction targets in the coming years, and thus has an important role to play in meeting government targets for averting global warming as well as a clean, sustainable replacement for fossil fuels in future.

The Northern Ireland government has recognised the importance of this technology and is keen to support its development to a level where arrays of turbines can eventually be deployed in the open sea off the coast of Northern Ireland.  It is hoped in this way to provide secure and sustainable renewable electricity supplies in the face of declining oil and gas. The UK government, through the Department of Trade and Industry, is financially supporting about half the cost of this project.

Marine Current Turbines Ltd is one of the worlds leading developers of tidal stream technology, and has successfully installed and operated a prototype experimental system near Lynmouth in North Devon for nearly two years. This proposed development project in the sheltered conditions of the Strangford Narrows with its unusually strong currents is an essential step towards the development of this world leading technology.

The proposed tidal turbine system comprises two turbines mounted either side of a single monopile structure which work rather like under-water windmills, but in this case driven by the strong water currents rather than the wind. The turbines will generate approximately 1MW of electricity without causing any pollution, which approximately matches the energy requirements of Portaferry or Strangford villages.

Q: Why Strangford Lough?
A: MCT are developing tidal stream energy devices for installation in arrays in the open seas in areas with strong currents. These areas tend to be remote and exposed to severe weather which hinders access and thus the rate at which the technology can be developed.  Strangford not only offers a unique location to develop the technology in a challenging flow regime without the high objective danger of severe weather conditions, but it also affords a the unique opportunity for an independent team of scientists to monitor the interaction of the system with the environment.

Q: Strangford Lough is an environmentally sensitive area and has several designations under the European Habitat’s directive as well as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Nature Reserve, how will this proposal effect these features?
A: A fundamental premise of Marine Current Turbines Limited developing the technology is their commitment to the environment; the technology must be sustainable and have a very small environmental ‘footprint’.  Consequently, MCT have contracted Haskoning UK Ltd to fully evaluate these issues; copies of the documents will be placed in public areas within Strangford and Portaferry so that they can be reviewed. Clearly MCT is confident that the system will not have any significant negative effects on the local environment and it will be monitored throughout its operational period to ensure it is functioning in an environmentally satisfactory manner. Ensuring safe operation is a key part of the experimental programme.

Visual impact is also a key concern in such a sensitive area, and this has been a key driver of the design to ensure that this is minimised and sympathetic to the landscape.

Strangford is also noted as a breeding ground for Common Seals.  This too is a prime concern and following extensive analysis and background work, it is believed that as the speed of the rotors is very low, no more than 10 to 15 revolutions per minute, they are unlikely to pose a threat to marine wildlife.

The environmental monitoring is a vital element of the project scope, and to this end MCT are working closely with the Environment and Heritage Service, various conservation bodies, leading marine scientists and local stakeholders to ensure suitable safeguards and monitoring are in place to ensure the Lough’s environment and ecology are protected.