In June 2006 a joint project between npower renewables and Wavegen was announced to investigate the potential for a new wave power scheme at Siadar, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
The Siadar Wave Energy Project (SWEP) is an exciting proposal consisting of an "active breakwater" which would harness power from the Atlantic waves in Siadar Bay to generate up to 4 megawatts of electricity. It will be a near shore structure, about 350 metres from the shore.
The SWEP is based upon the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) principle.
The energy produced each year could supply the average annual electricity needs of approximately 1500 homes equal to a fifth of all homes on Lewis and Harris.
Over the last 18months, the team at npower renewables has been working hard to develop a viable scheme, enlisting the support of external specialists to assist in designing a breakwater and other engineering features.
In addition, Wavegen has continued to refine the turbine design through a programme of testing and modelling. An environmental assessment of the site and surrounding area is nearing completion. The work undertaken has been carried out by independent specialists so that SWEP can be designed with minimal effect on its surroundings. Work undertaken includes:
- Landscape and visual assessments
- On shore noise assessments
- Marine habitats and ecology assessments
- Archaeology studies
- Transport and route access assessments
The marine team will continue to work with a number of agencies and consultees in preparation for a planning submission early in 2008.
If successfully developed and built, the Siadar Wave Energy Project will be one of the first wave power stations in the world.
Siadar Wave Power Scheme
