Wales’ first giant tidal energy generator will be unveiled today at Pembroke Port by the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones, marking the birth of the Welsh tidal industry.

The 400kW patented DeltaStream device developed by Tidal Energy Ltd will be installed in Ramsey Sound – and will be one the world’s first grid-connected demonstration devices to generate green, sustainable and predictable tidal power.

EU funding from European Regional Development Fund worth £8m has been invested in the project, with match funding from the majority shareholder, Welsh renewable energy company Eco2 Ltd.

Managing Director of Tidal Energy Ltd, Martin Murphy said:

 “This is a significant milestone for us as a company and for the industry as a whole. We have achieved a number of firsts with this project, including those relating to the environmental consents, the grid connection and the installation process - where the turbine and foundation are installed together.”

“The imminent launch of DeltaStream, and the supply chain that now exists as a consequence of its development, marks the birth of the tidal industry in Wales. We remain committed to leading the expansion of this industry and to the creation of green jobs by building on the wealth of expertise present in this region and the country’s plentiful resources.”

Tidal Energy Ltd’s DeltaStream device, which weighs 150 tonnes and with a frame 16m long by 20m high, is the first grid-connected freestanding tidal turbine, unlike other tidal designs currently under development.

Commenting on the project, the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said:

“I’m delighted that Wales’ first full scale tidal stream energy generator has been supported with almost £8million from the European Regional Development Fund. This is a landmark project for Wales, which will not only help us to meet our sustainable energy ambitions, but will also provide significant opportunities for local people and businesses.”

Tidal Energy will join forces with Eco2 Ltd to install up to nine DeltaStream devices off St Davids Head in Pembrokeshire after a 12-month testing period – the installations will form a 10MW DeltaStream commercial array and generate enough power for more than 10,000 homes.