18 May 2011

Tidal energy comes to heart of London
Thousands of central London homes could benefit from the energy potential of the Thames if a new trial is successful.

Around 35,000 homes along the Thames could benefit from 100s of tidal turbines set to be installed in the river - depending on the results of the trial.

The trial will take place next to the ship HQS Wellington, which is permanently moored at Temple Steps in the heart of London and is owned by the Wellington Trust.

The project is being developed by Thames Tidal in a joint venture with Nautricity a tidal technology developer, and Energy Invest Group a global developer and financier of energy projects.

For the trial Nautricity's CoRMaT a small capsule style design will be used.

If successful tidal turbines could be deployed along the Thames from Westminster to Margate, subject to planning consent and availability of sites.

The build out of the arrays will be phased over a number of years and early work will focus on reassuring all stakeholders.

Nautricity chief executive, Cameron Johnstone, said: "The demonstration project gives us a real opportunity to demonstrate tidal electricity facilities using Nautricity's tidal turbines can be good neighbours with existing river users while making a significant contribution to our national carbon reduction goals."

Wellington Trust chief executive, commodore Angus Menzies, said: "The project provided an excellent opportunity for HQS Wellington to show her green ambitions and to become even more closely engaged with the river."

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