Fair Head Tidal, a joint venture between Cork, Ireland-based DP Energy and Bluepower NV of Belgium, is moving ahead with plans to develop a 100 megawatt (MW) tidal energy project in Northern Ireland. The company has completed onshore and offshore surveys for the north Antrim coast project site, and plans to submit a marine license application later this summer.

A tidal array is planned off Northern Ireland.The subsea tidal turbine project is expected to generate enough electricity to provide for the needs of around 70,000 households by 2020.

Clodagh McGrath, DP Energy’s Project Manager, says: “The Fair Head Tidal development strategy is to progress with a 100 MW offshore consent application and build the project out in phases, planned to commence in 2018. In the last three years we have engaged with a wide range of project stakeholders including local communities and government departments.”