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Edinburgh-based energy company agrees deal for Wyre Estuary tidal barrage

A renewable energy firm has agreed terms to lease the land for a long-term riverbed lease option to build a proposed tidal barrage and flood protection project on the Wyre estuary.

Atlantis, the Edinburgh-based tidal energy company, has signed heads of Terms with the Duchy of Lancaster for the tidal barrage which will be built between Fleetwood and Knott End.  A long-term lease has been agreed for the riverbed required to begin work with Atlantis claiming the optimal capacity for the Wyre tidal barrage is 160MW, with potential sustainable energy production of nearly 300GWh per year. Atlantis will work with the Duchy of Lancaster, the Wyre and Lancashire councils, local stakeholders, BEIS, the supply chain and investors to accelerate the development.

The company has meanwhile kicked off discussions with potential development-stage investors. Atlantis has confirmed it will soon start the process of obtaining all necessary consents to begin development, which will take approximately three years. Tenders for the project are expected to be issued early next year.

Tim Cornelius, CEO of Atlantis, said: “We believe our tidal barrage and flood protection project in the Wyre estuary offers a route to low cost, predictable and sustainable domestic electricity supply. This is the pathfinder project the UK government is looking for, with the potential to facilitate wide-scale development of the UK’s enviable tidal range resources. “Tidal barrages will also provide a good balance for the UK’s renewable portfolio which is currently heavily weighted with intermittent offshore wind.

Graeme Chalk, head of project management at the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "As a responsible landowner, the Duchy is committed to encouraging sustainability in all its forms, including the generation of sustainable energy. The introduction of a tidal barrage between Fleetwood and Knott End could bring great benefits to the local economy as well as cheaper, cleaner energy and we look forward to seeing Atlantis deliver these as the project progresses."

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