UK: PMSS and SMRU Marine to Review Environmental Impact of Wave and Tidal Energy

Industry trade associations RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables, along with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), have commissioned leading consultancy companies TÜV SÜD PMSS (PMSS) and SMRU Marine Ltd with their academic partner the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to review the environmental impacts associated with wave and tidal technologies.

The outputs of the project will be three ‘position papers’ which synthesise evidence from recent research and monitoring to capture our current understanding of how wave and tidal energy devices may affect birds, fish and marine mammals.

Although the main purpose of the position papers is to facilitate more rapid uptake of research relevant to industry and regulator needs, a further aspect of this work relates to the identification of gaps in current knowledge and recommendations for future work.

PMSS and SMRU Marine / SMRU partnered to form a strong consortium for the bid, demonstrating their long and established industry track record in renewable energy development, environmental assessment, policy and strategy. The primary focus of the work will be to inform the screening, scoping and impact assessments for future wave and tidal energy projects, with a view to identifying the potential key impacts across the three receptor groups for a number of diverse wave and tidal technology types. The project team has brought together leading academics and industry partners to form a strong project advisory panel with a key focus being on consultation and shared learning. Kit Hawkins, who is leading this project, stated:

“We are tremendously pleased to have been awarded this key project for two energy generation technologies which have the potential for future wide-scale deployment. The development of wave and tidal technologies will help to deliver our future energy mix in a low carbon environment. By understanding the impacts of these technologies in an effective and proper manner, we can help the development and deployment of these technologies with environmental and economic benefits.”

“We have formed a very strong project team and PMSS is thrilled to be leading this project, providing focus on the impacts of these technologies and aiming to resolve potential barriers to their deployment.”

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Press release, August 30, 2013; Image: aquamarinepower