Isle of Man govt grants tidal power exploration licence to local firm

The Isle of Man government on Monday announced it has granted a seven-year survey licence to local firm Manx Tidal Energy Ltd to explore the possibility of developing a tidal power array on the seabed off the Point of Ayre.

The company will conduct preliminary work to see if there is practicality and commercial viability for offshore electricity production at the site. “If the surveys prove that a tidal array is viable the Department would look to agree a lease for development, subject to all the necessary approvals being in place,” said infrastructure minister Phil Gawne.

The Isle of Man government wants to develop an offshore energy hub to boost the local economy. It believes that leasing parts of its seabed for renewable energy projects would contribute significantly to public funds and local job creation.

The government is also considering granting survey licences for three additional sites off the southern end of the Manx coast.

In November 2014, Manx Tidal Energy said it was chosen as the preferred partner for the development of tidal power projects within the island’s 12-mile territorial seas.

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