Tidal energy lures former NDA execs

A NEW business set up by three former Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) directors is seeking to harness tidal energy from the Solway Firth in Cumbria.

Solway Energy Gateway (SEG) has struck an agreement with Surrey-based VerdErg Renewable Energy for it to test its technology and establish a manufacturing base in the area if the trials are successful.

SEG’s managing director Bill Roberts, previously chief financial officer at the NDA, said VerdErg’s technology takes a smaller portion of the natural energy from the tide, reducing disruption to the tidal ecosystems. It is also cheaper than a tidal barrage.

Mr Roberts said: “We can’t put up a barrage because of the environmental damage so we were looking at technology with minimal impact. We thought VerdErg was the best bet but it’s not quite ready for commercial applications so we’re doing the development and final testing on small rivers in Cumbria.”

The device, pictured as part of a road bridge, would stretch across the Solway Firth and could generate up to 200 megawatts of energy, enough to power 60,000 homes. Mr Roberts said there was no shipping traffic in the area but boats could pass through a lock.

The company has interest from private investors but is also looking at grant funding and bank finance.

Mr Roberts’ colleagues are Fiona Hammond, the NDA’s former legal director, and David Hayes, former special projects director.