The Isle of Wight's much delayed tidal energy scheme hopes to be in operation by 2025, with construction starting in 2023.

It also says it will submit plans for the onshore part of the project later this year.

The Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) was given the green light by the Isle of Wight Council in 2016, but has been discussed at County Hall since 2013. It was due to start operating last year.

However, work has not yet started and the project has blamed a change in government policy for the delay.

Now, backed by a partnership with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), funding from TIGER (Tidal Stream Industry Energiser) and anticipated new government support, it says a planning application for the onshore elements of the project will be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council in the coming months and it has launched a consultation.

Consultation

Isle of Wight County Press:

The Orbital O2 turbine - an example of a device to be deployed at the Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre.

Want to read more about the scheme in detail and comment?

Meanwhile, two webinars are being held, along with pre-bookable telephone appointments:  Webinars: Monday June 7, at 6.00pm and Tuesday June 8, at 1.30pm; telephone appointments: Friday 4 June. 

To book, call 0800 470 3745, or email contact@ptec-consultation.co.uk.  

How is the Isle of Wight Council involved?

In September, the Isle of Wight Council, which previously loaned £1 million to the scheme, decided not to loan it a further £244,000.

Instead, up to two thirds of the Isle of Wight Council's shares were to be sold and it will step down from the PTEC board.

The existing loan scheme was extended and changes were made to the repayment plan.

The matter was called-in by scrutiny committee members, meanwhile, who said they were worried taxpayers’ money could be misspent.

What is the PTEC project?

Isle of Wight County Press:

St Catherine's Point is overlooked by this lighthouse, on the Isle of Wight's south coast.

When work starts, it will be based around 2.5km south of St Catherine’s Point.

The centre would produce up to 30MW (enough to power 15,000 homes), of clean, renewable energy. The Isle of Wight Council loaned £1 million to set it up, saying it would create jobs and promote green energy technology.

Supporters say the Isle of Wight is the ideal location, due to its strong tidal currents, but those opposed argued it would disrupt fishing grounds and marine life.

Chairman of PTEC, Rob Stevens, said: “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.” 

If it is completed, the project would generate energy for at least 15 years.