Tidal energy boss in port to see river site

Fleetwood is perfectly placed to ride the cusp of a tidal power wave, according to a global player in renewable energy.
Bob Long ( director, NEW), Tim Cornelies (CEO Atlantis), David Grundy (director, NEW) and Andrew Manley (consultant , Atlantis) in Fleetwood to discuss the Wyre tidal energy scheme.Bob Long ( director, NEW), Tim Cornelies (CEO Atlantis), David Grundy (director, NEW) and Andrew Manley (consultant , Atlantis) in Fleetwood to discuss the Wyre tidal energy scheme.
Bob Long ( director, NEW), Tim Cornelies (CEO Atlantis), David Grundy (director, NEW) and Andrew Manley (consultant , Atlantis) in Fleetwood to discuss the Wyre tidal energy scheme.

Tim Cornelius, CEO of Atlantis, visited the town this week through his involvement with the proposed £300m Wyre tidal energy scheme.

Atlantis has formed a partnership with Natural Energy Wyre (News), the Fleetwood based group which has been driving the scheme forward for the past few years.

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And with Atlantis ready to take the project on to the next level, Mr Corelius was in Fleetwood to view the site of the energy scheme - the mouth of the River Wyre - himself.

Latest artist's impression of Natural Energy Wyre's tidal energy scheme.Latest artist's impression of Natural Energy Wyre's tidal energy scheme.
Latest artist's impression of Natural Energy Wyre's tidal energy scheme.

Members of NEW, including director Bob Long, showed Mr Cornelius and Atlantis colleagues around the key areas.

Mr Cornelius said: “There has never been a better opportunity for tidal energy - the timing couldn’t be better.

“Renewable energy is very attractive to investors and governments and Fleetwood has several advantages.

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“Geographically it presents us with a short wall - a relatively simple infrastructure from which to create maximum energy. And geopolitically it will allow for the regeneration of an area in need of investment. There is clear evidence of local support at many levels.

Latest artist's impression of Natural Energy Wyre's tidal energy scheme.Latest artist's impression of Natural Energy Wyre's tidal energy scheme.
Latest artist's impression of Natural Energy Wyre's tidal energy scheme.

“Today I have seen the site from various vantage points and it has been good to turn theory into practical reality.”

What happens next, he said, was further negotiations with the owner of the rights to developing the river, pushing forward with tenders, working out detailed costings and talks with investors.

Bob Long said: “Tim Cornelius naturally wanted to come to Fleetwood for the first time, to see the site for himself, and he has been left with a very favourable impression.”

The Wyre scheme would have a lifespan of 120 years, using the twice daily tides to power turbines under water - enough tor 500,000 homes.

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