The Marine Characterisation Research Project (MCRP) is an innovative research and development project that will ensure the safe phased deployment of tidal energy turbines in the Morlais Demonstration Zone.
Overview
The Marine Characterisation Research Project (MCRP) is an innovative research and development project that will ensure the safe phased deployment of tidal energy turbines in the Morlais Demonstration Zone. Working with a team of experts, the project have developed an Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan to safeguard marine wildlife. The findings are available for future marine renewable energy projects to enable the growth of tidal stream energy on the Marine Data Exchange (MDE).
The Project
Menter Môn’s Marine Characterisation and Research Project is an innovative research and development project designed to ensure that the Morlais tidal scheme and other tidal energy projects in the UK are implemented safely.
More About Menter Môn
Menter Môn is a not-for-profit social enterprise, based in Anglesey that works across North West Wales. Its objective is to add value to the local area by building on the region’s resources, benefiting the environment, cultural heritage and economic growth while upholding Welsh language in the community.
Project Objectives
The project has developed an Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan for the use of tidal energy turbines on a commercial scale. Menter Môn is committed to protecting the natural environment, with the Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan limiting and monitoring any possible impact on marine life, especially mammals and seabirds, during the operation of turbines in the Morlais zone. The publicly shared research will be used as a tool to inform each gradual step, in consultation with subject experts.
Partners
Menter Môn are working with a network of industry leading academics and businesses based around the UK in developing this plan for the industry.
The Future of Tidal Energy
The work undertaken by the MCRP will contribute to the development and testing of technologies such as active sonar, underwater cameras, acoustic deterrent devices and thermal imaging along with the surveying of the local marine wildlife.
Findings and research from this project will be made available to other renewable energy projects to support them in securing the relevant permits and licences. This can then be the basis for the future use of tidal flow turbines on a commercial scale in Wales and beyond.
Further Information
For more information please go to: https://www.morlaisenergy.com/en/about-us/marine-characterisation-research-project
