UK: Intertek to Conduct Water Quality Assessment for Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay

Intertek Energy & Water consultancy services (formerly Metoc), is undertaking specialist studies for Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Ltd, to assess the potential impact of a tidal lagoon on marine water quality. Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide.

The Swansea Bay project aims to provide enough power for 107,000 homes from 250MW of installed tidal power capacity, and will be capable of generating energy for 16 hours every day.

With the UK’s embryonic tidal projects keen to ensure that their effects on the marine environment are minimised, Intertek are conducting a numerical modelling study that will enable the project to assess any impact long before construction begins.

The results of the study will be used in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). As the world’s first man-made tidal energy lagoon, the project is significant both to Swansea Bay and to the evolution of the wider international marine renewables market, as the development will act as a blue print for other future tidal lagoon schemes.

“Tidal energy offers huge potential for predictable and reliable renewable energy in the UK,” said Frank Beiboer, Managing Director, Intertek Energy & Water consultancy services. “Our involvement in the project will help ensure that the developers have the best available information to assess future effects on the marine environment.”

“With the project a true pioneer in renewable energy, but with the potential to unlock a significant developing market, we look forward to undertaking similar work in future.”

Alex Herbert, Head of Planning, Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Ltd said: “We chose Intertek based on the strong track record it has for water quality impact assessments and modelling of marine environments, including in Swansea Bay.

As we move towards the next phase in the development, which we hope to have in operation by 2017, we look forward to demonstrating through the EIA any project sensitivity to the local environment.”

Project construction on this important tidal lagoon initiative, is due to begin in 2015, with the site fully operational within two years.

Intertek Energy & Water consultancy services is a leading international consultancy specialising in technical services in the marine, coastal and river environments. Its expertise helps reduce risk for clients through all stages of a development, from concept, feasibility and design, through construction and operation, to decommissioning. Key sectors are Oil & Gas, offshore Renewables and marine Cables, and Water, where it partners with operators, developers, utilities, lenders and government.

[mappress]

Press release, April 23, 2013; Image: tidallagoonswanseabay