Tidal Lagoon Power Strengthens Its Team with Renewables Expert

Hydro power and renewable energy specialist Andy Billcliff has joined Tidal Lagoon Power, the development company behind the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Billcliff (55) will work with Chief Executive Mark Shorrock and the development team at Tidal Lagoon Power to develop up to five full-scale tidal lagoon developments in UK waters by 2023. With over 30 years of experience in power generation, Billcliff is a Renewable Energy Consultant on Anglesey’s Energy Island Board, Chair of the CBI in North Wales and Chair of the British Hydropower Association.

He was previously a Director of Innogy UK and Npower Renewables (NRL) and Director of Rhyl Business Group. During his time with NRL, he was responsible for operational aspects of the Hydro and wind plants including the offshore windfarms, before concentrating on the overall Hydro business, His experience also includes nuclear and gas turbine plants, having assisted with the commissioning of Heysham 1 and procurement for the first round of combined cycle gas turbine plants, notably Killinghome and Little Barford.

Billcliff’s hydro experience includes the replanting of the ageing fleet of five UK hydro-power plants, and leading a successful bid for the operation of Kielder generating station, the largest Hydropower plant in England. He was then responsible for replanting the main six blade Kaplan turbine, and replacing the smaller Francis driven compensating set.

In 2009, Billcliff gained board approval for a £160M pipeline of hydro developments across the UK, procuring, installing, commissioning and operating the development and construction programme. He has specified, installed and operated automated tilting gates that optimise water flows to increase generation whilst remaining in line with environmental regulatory constraints.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark Shorrock Chief Executive of Tidal Lagoon Power said: “Andy has in depth knowledge of the UK electricity market and current renewable generation technology. His impressive track record includes all aspects of development and operation with particular experience in North Wales where the tidal range offers great potential for tidal lagoon development.”

“He has driven significant business growth and proven his capabilities by securing a prosperous future for the RWE Hydro fleet while leading UK marine and tidal activities. Indeed, he was part of a team responsible for looking at tidal current, tidal storage and wave power systems including early feasibility work on a tidal lagoon in the Colwyn Bay area.”

Andy Billcliff adds: “Tidal lagoons make economic, environmental and social sense by offering renewable energy at nuclear scale. Mark Shorrock and his team at Tidal Lagoon Power have terrific vision and plans to supply 10% of the UK’s domestic electricity by building up to five full-scale tidal lagoons in UK waters by 2023, before the UK sees any generation from new nuclear. Given my previous experience, I know that the tidal lagoon concept really does represent a bold new addition to the energy mix and I am delighted to be joining the team.”

Press release, March 10, 2014; Image: Tidal Lagoon Power