DP Energy will host two open days to gather opinions and share information with local communities regarding the proposed tidal energy project off Fair Head, Northern Ireland.
Cork-based DP Energy, supported by Fair Head Tidal project partner Bluepower, will set up an exhibition in Ballycastle on August 23 and on Rathlin island on August 24, 2016, to showcase the tidal energy scheme proposed off Antrim coast.
Fair Head Tidal Energy Park, a joint venture created between DP Energy and Bluepower, proposes a 100MW tidal energy project that would power an estimated 70,000 Northern Irish homes by 2020.
Clodagh McGrath , Fair Head Tidal Project Manager, said: “We initially engaged with the local communities of Ballycastle, Rathlin and the broader north coast in 2014, by sharing information on tidal energy, outlining our development approach and plans for an extensive programme of site surveys.
“Now we have completed our survey programme and developed more details on our plans, we are delighted to return so that local people can provide their views, reactions and comments before we submit our planning application.”
Fair Head Tidal project is expected to be developed in two stages, with the first stage involving the installation of an array of six turbines, followed by the second stage that would complete the scheme’s 100MW output, according to McGrath.
“We will show people images of the proposed technologies and charts of the seabed where it is proposed to install these, together with findings from our environmental surveys and assessment of potential impacts from the development, during the construction and operation stages,” added McGrath.
The potential for local employment and skills training is currently being assessed by Fair Head Tidal, and the planning application will include a specific section covering the potential socio-economic benefits which could arise if the scheme is built, DP Energy informed.