Crown Estate approves rights for new wave and tidal energy projects

Sites include three off the coast of England, four off Scotland, one in Northern Ireland and three off Wales

Five new wave and tidal development zones, which will allow local companies to manage and sub-let the offshore acreage, have been announced by the Crown Estate.

The UK seabed landlord also announced five new wave and tidal project sites, each with the potential to deliver a scheme of between 10MW and 30MW. 

Rob Hastings, director of energy and infrastructure, said: "By providing these additional seabed rights we are pleased to be enabling further technology development and commercialisation, which will be critical if the UK is to unlock its significant natural resources for wave and tidal current energy. 

“This innovative approach to leasing the seabed sees us responding to market demand and introducing managed demonstration zones to give other organisations the opportunity to lend tangible support in their local areas.”

Wave Hub will set up demonstration zones for wave energy in north Cornwall and south Pembrokeshire, and tidal energy in north Devon. The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) will establish a wave demonstration zone at the Isle of Harris and a tidal zone at Islay in Scotland, while Menter Môn will set up a tidal demonstration zone in West Anglesey.

Siemens will manage three tidal stream projects at Portland Bill, Strangford Lough and Mull of Galloway. EMEC will develop a tidal stream test facility at Stronsay Firth in Scotland and Minesto will develop a tidal stream project at Holyhead Deep in Wales.

The next stage is for the demonstration zone managers to attract developers and to undertake work, such as gathering environmental data that can help developers with the consenting process.