Tidal power system granted EU funding

A device that has the potential to aid air quality improvements by generating electricity from tidal power rather than fossil fuels has been granted funding.

The EU will set aside £6.4 million for the energy generator that will be stationed off the coast of Wales.

In total, the DeltaStream equipment will cost in the region of £11 million and it will now be manufactured in order to be ready for installation in 2012.

Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones said there is "huge potential" for marine energy in the country.

The device was designed by Pembrokeshire engineer Richard Ayre and has been tailored to have minimal impact on the environment.

Managing director of Tidal Energy - which will produce the machine - Martin Murphy said: "This funding announcement comes at a pivotal stage in the project and will provide Wales with a unique opportunity."

Richard Ayre has 30 years of experience in managing marine civil projects and he first came up with an early version of the DeltaStream as far back as 2001.

Posted by Joseph Hutton