Parsons Brinckerhoff to undertake tidal energy study in Cumbria

Published: 2010-02-22

Cumbria, United Kingdom (22 February 2010) - Parsons Brinckerhoff, the international engineering consultant, has been commissioned to explore options for tidal energy generation across the Duddon Estuary in South Cumbria. Tidal barrages, fences, reefs and other innovative technologies will all be considered along with the potential for a road link between Millom and Barrow-in-Furness.

The study has been commissioned by regeneration organisation Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria and will seek to identify the best options for any potential development.

Previous studies have suggested the Duddon Estuary has potential to generate around 100MW of energy – enough to power in the region of 200,000 homes – and provide a new transport link that would cut 17 miles off the current journey between Millom and Barrow.  

This latest study for a Duddon Estuary Tidal Energy Scheme will examine options from an energy, infrastructure and environmental perspective. It will asses the suitability of existing and emerging tidal technologies, set against the cost of development and the potential environmental impact of any scheme. It will also set options against the wider context of the pressing need to update Cumbria’s connection to the National Grid and to improve transport links in Furness and West Cumbria to support the wider Britain’s Energy Coast™ initiative.  

The study has been funded with a £30,000 grant from Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria and a further £30,000 from the Carbon Challenge Fund, which is administered by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). Parsons Brinckerhoff and Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria will hold a workshop for invited key stakeholders in March, and a second more comprehensive workshop before it publishes the findings of the study in the summer. 

Ends   

Issued by:

Nick Welsh - tel: 01483 528568; mob: 07770 832838; welshn@pbworld.com

Notes to editors: 

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) is one of the UK’s leading energy consultants and is currently leading the consortium appointed by the Government to study the potential of tidal power on the Severn. The company is a global leader in developing and operating infrastructure around the world, with around 15,000 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of clients and communities across Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and the Australia-Pacific region.  Clients come to PB for a wide range of advice, skills and resources in strategic consulting, programme management, planning, engineering, design, construction management and operations. For over a century PB has earned a distinguished reputation for delivering world-class infrastructure and its technical expertise in transportation, power, community development, water and the environment.  www.pbworld.co.uk  

The Britain’s Energy Coast™ initiative aims to establish the boroughs of Copeland, Allerdale and Furness as major generators of low carbon and renewable energy, helping to transform the local economy while at the same time supporting Britain’s response to the pressing challenges of climate change and energy security. The initiative includes not only the construction of a least one new nuclear power station but also improvements in grid transmission, infrastructure, education, hospitals, skills and R&D and enterprise as well as the development of other renewable and low carbon energy sources. Together these developments will transform the West Cumbrian economy whilst providing clean sustainable energy for the UK. www.britainsenergycoast.com 

Cumbria Vision is the organisation charged with leading the economic regeneration of Cumbria and is responsible for identifying clear priorities for investment; bringing together skills and higher paid jobs; promoting private sector investment and growth. Cumbria County Council is a founding partner of and the accountable body for Cumbria Vision. www.cumbriavision.co.uk For further information contact Cumbria Vision PR & Communications Manager Luke Dicicco on 07799035390 or email luke.dicicco@cumbriavision.co.uk.   

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