Client News- GATEWAY GAS STORAGE SECURES NEW INVESTOR: PETROFAC ACQUIRES 20% INTEREST

Gateway Storage Company Ltd, the developer of the 1.5bn cubic metre salt cavern gas storage facility in the East Irish Sea, is pleased to announce that Petrofac, the international oil & gas facilities service provider, has acquired a 20% interest in the company.

Petrofac will join Gateway as the technical project operator and will be jointly responsible for developing the project ahead of a Final Investment Decision next year (2011). Petrofac will be represented on the Gateway Board. The company’s investment in Gateway is based on a cash consideration of up to £33million over time, funded from cash resources. This is split into a fixed upfront payment and additional contingent payments subject to key project development milestones being achieved, including the outcome of a further successful equity sales process.

The front end engineering and design (FEED) phase of the project is nearing completion and the focus of Gateway Storage will now turn to project execution and finalisation of the consortium of storage capacity holders and investors. Gateway Storage is targeting 2016 for the commencement of storage services to the UK energy market.

When built, Gateway Storage will be one of the UK’s largest salt cavern storage facilities and will add nearly 30% to the current gas storage capacity in the UK market. It secured the UK Department of Energy & Climate Change’s first ever Storage Licence in February 2010 after obtaining the main planning and environmental consents and permits in late 2008.

George Grant, Chairman of Gateway Storage Company Ltd said: “Gateway is the most advanced gas storage project in the UK that has not yet committed to construction, so we are delighted to have an organisation with the execution and operational track record of Petrofac to take the project forward through to financing and into construction. As one of the world’s leading service providers to the oil and gas industries, Petrofac’s experience will be invaluable in realising the project’s significant and strategic benefits to the UK and Irish energy markets.”

Rob Jewkes, Managing Director, Petrofac Energy Developments commented: “Petrofac is pleased to join with Gateway to progress this strategically important and well advanced storage project. With FEED activities largely complete, we are entering the project at this stage to bring confidence to the investor group that execution and delivery objectives for the complete facilities can be met, and will utilise the full capabilities of our group to optimise the facility design and deliver the project.”

For further information contact:

Gateway Storage Company Ltd (www.gatewaystorage.co.uk)

George Grant, Chairman +44 (0)131 550 3380

ggrant@stagenergy.com

Paul Taylor (Taylor Keogh Communications) +44 (0)203 170 8465 / 07966 782611

paul@taylorkeogh.com

Petrofac

Tulchan Communications Group Ltd +44 (0)20 7353 4200

James Bradley

David Allchurch

petrofac@tulchangroup.com

Notes to Editors

Gateway Storage (www.gatewaystorage.co.uk)

Gateway Storage Company Limited plans to build an underground natural gas storage facility in the East Irish Sea, approximately 25 km (15 miles) offshore, south west of Barrow-in-Furness. Storage caverns will be developed in a natural salt structure below the seabed and will enable gas to be delivered, stored and then returned to the UK’s national transmission system.

The offshore facility will provide a significant boost to the security of energy supply in the UK gas market and will help to meet the strategic energy policy objectives of the UK government. When completed, the caverns will have a working capacity of 1.5 billion standard cubic metres (~560 million therms), adding nearly 30% to the current gas storage capacity in the UK market.

Gateway Storage is a company that was formed to develop the gas storage project and is managed by Stag Energy. Stag Energy (www.stagenergy.com) is an independent company, headquartered in Edinburgh. The company, established in 2002, has extensive experience of managing the development, construction and operations of gas storage and power generation projects in the UK and overseas.

Petrofac (www.petrofac.com)

Petrofac is a leading international provider of facilities solutions to the oil & gas production and processing industry, with a diverse customer portfolio including many of the world’s leading integrated, independent and national oil & gas companies. Petrofac is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: PFC) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

The group delivers services through seven business units: Engineering & Construction, Engineering & Construction Ventures, Engineering Services, Offshore Engineering & Operations, Training Services, Production Solutions and Energy Developments.

Through these businesses Petrofac designs and builds oil & gas facilities; operates, maintains and manages facilities and trains personnel; enhances production; and, where it can leverage its service capability, develops and co-invests in upstream and infrastructure projects. Petrofac’s range of services meets its customers’ needs across the full life cycle of oil & gas assets.

With around 12,500 employees, Petrofac operates out of six strategically located operational centres, in Aberdeen, Sharjah, Woking, Chennai, Mumbai and Abu Dhabi and a further 19 offices worldwide. The predominant focus of Petrofac’s business is on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), the Middle East and Africa, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Asia Pacific region.

Client News-MARINE CURRENT TURBINES AIMING FOR FIRST TIDAL ENERGY FARM IN SCOTLAND BY 2013

UK tidal energy company, Marine Current Turbines, is targeting 2013 to install Scotland’s first tidal energy farm. The company, which designed and deployed the world’s first commercial scale offshore tidal stream energy system in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough, is investigating the feasibility of a tidal farm in Kyle Rhea, a strait of water between the Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland.

The project will have the capacity to generate electricity for up to 4,000 homes in the Highlands & Islands by harnessing the power of the fast tidal currents that pass through Kyle Rhea 14 hours a day. It will also give a multi-million pound boost to the Highlands & Islands economy as local businesses can expect to participate in the tidal farm’s installation, operation and maintenance.

The development of the project is subject to securing a lease agreement from The Crown Estate, securing planning approval from Marine Scotland (part of the Scottish Government) and raising the finance for the project. Marine Current Turbines (MCT) estimates that the cost of the 5MW Kyle Rhea scheme, consisting of four SeaGen tidal units, will be £35million.

For the past nine months, MCT has undertaken a series of environmental and technical studies and consulted a range of local and national organisations. The work to date has confirmed the suitability of the site and subject to further studies being carried out and further consultations, MCT aims to submit a planning application towards the end of next year (2011).

MCT, with the support of the environmental consultancy Royal Haskoning (based in Edinburgh), has already consulted a range of organisations about its plans including the Highland Council and local councillors, Marine Scotland, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the Northern Lighthouse Board, the RSPB, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust and the RNLI based at Kyle of Lochalsh.

David Ainsworth, MCT’s Project Manager for the Kyle Rhea project, said: “Engagement with local interests is an important part of our work and so far the response to our plans has been generally positive. Our experience of working in Strangford Lough has been hugely valuable in taking forward our plans for Kyle Rhea, and has helped assure people about the impacts of deploying our technology.

Next year, we will hold a public exhibition in Glenelg before our planning application is finalised to give local people the opportunity to find out more about the project and the benefits that it will bring.”

If the Kyle Rhea tidal project is approved and financed, the scheme will not only generate clean energy but also give local firms the chance to be involved in the tidal farm’s installation and operation. In Northern Ireland, a number of local companies such as marine support vessels, engineering and electrical contractors, civil engineers, environmental scientists and divers as well as local hotels, pubs and restaurants have benefited from MCT’s Strangford Lough project. It is estimated that the project has contributed more than £4million into the Northern Irish economy over the past three years.

As well as retaining the services of Royal Haskoning (with regard to consultations with the regulatory authorities and the environmental studies), other Scottish firms that have been being involved in the project to date are the Aberdeen office of Partrac and SMRU Ltd based in St Andrews. Scotland’s Burntisland Fabrications constructed the quadropod structure that supports the single SeaGen in Strangford Lough.

UK-wide client services

Taylor Keogh is working with its clients across the UK but to further strengthen its services it has recently entered partnership agreements with PR consultancies in Scotland and Northern Ireland, both of whom have strong track records in the energy sector. In Scotland, Taylor Keogh has forged an alliance with Budge PR (www.budgepr.com) and in Northern Ireland the company is working with Resolute Public Affairs, a consultancy recently established by Terry McErlane (www.resolutepa.com).

Budge PR and Taylor Keogh have worked together with AWS Ocean Energy for the past three years as well as a number of one-off projects for clients.

The partnerships are part of Taylor Keogh’s commitment to provide its clients with the vital experience and skill-set necessary to deliver their objectives. Taylor Keogh is presently recruiting to its London office and will continue to draw upon its network of senior-level associate consultants based across the UK.

Energy from waste on Teesside

Taylor Keogh is supporting Air Product’s plans to build a 49MW energy from waste plant on Teesside. The proposed scheme, which requires approval from Stockton Council and an environmental permitting consent from the Environment Agency, will use advanced gasification technology to convert pre-processed waste to baseload power.

The proposed Tees Valley Renewable Energy Facility was announced this summer and it has been welcomed by a number of local organisations including the North East Process Industries Cluster, the North East Chamber of Commerce, Renew@CPI and Tees Valley Unlimited. Subject to planning approval and financing, the Air Products facility is targeted to enter commercial operation in early 2014.

Taylor Keogh’s work has included stakeholder and community consultation (including public exhibitions), press relations and website/literature development. www.airproducts.co.uk/teesvalley

Harnessing the power of the tides

Marine Current Turbines, a client of Taylor Keogh since 2005, continues to lead the way in developing tidal stream energy on a commercial basis. Ranked as the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey (2009), the company is building on the success of its SeaGen project in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough.

In September, it announced an agreement with ESB International to develop an initial phase of a 100MW tidal energy project off the Antrim coast in Northern Ireland, and the company will shortly submit a planning application to deploy a 10MW tidal farm in waters off Anglesey, in partnership with RWE npower renewables. In March 2010, MCT secured approval for a lease from The Crown Estate to deploy its SeaGen technology off Brough Ness, on the southern most tip of the Orkney Islands. The company plans to have its first phase of SeaGen tidal turbines deployed there during 2017 with the whole scheme operational by 2020.

SeaGen was deployed in Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate power for the equivalent of about 1500 homes. It works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. SeaGen is accredited by OFGEM as a UK power station and so is a recipient of Renewable Obligation Certificates. www.marineturbines.com

Loch Ness trials for wave energy device

Inverness-based wave energy technology, AWS Ocean Energy, has recently completed a series of trials in the waters of Loch Ness for its AWS-III wave energy system. The results are now being evaluated by the company and it is seeking industrial and utility partners to support testing of a single cell wave device in 2011, the launching of a 12-cell pre-commercial demonstrator in 2012 and subsequent commercialisation of its technology. A single utility-scale AWS-III, measuring around 60 metres in diameter, will be capable of generating up to 2.5 MW of continuous power.

Alongside the development of the AWS-III, the company is developing associated, patented technologies such as remote mooring systems and believes there is significant potential for manufacturing key components in Scotland. www.awsocean.com

UK gas storage capacity

As part of a wider consultation on electricity market reform, the Government is consulting on measures to encourage additional gas storage capacity in the UK market. The question will be whether these measures, giving OFGEM additional powers and changes to the gas industry’s Uniform Network Code (and to feature in the upcoming Energy Security & Green Economy Bill), will provide the vital spur to the new investment in storage that is required for a number of projects that have been given consent.

Taylor Keogh has supported the Gateway Gas Storage project in the Irish Sea since 2005: it was the first scheme to receive a Storage Licence from the UK Government earlier this year, after it had secured its main planning and environmental consents in 2008. Front end engineering & design, involving teams from AMEC, Senergy and PB Power, is set to be completed before Christmas and steps to secure additional financing for the project are ongoing.

When built, the £600m plus facility will add new capacity equal to approximately 30% of current UK storage capacity, sufficient to meet five days of Britain’s average gas demand. Gateway will comprise 20 salt caverns, each the size of the Albert Hall, and sited approximately 750m beneath the surface of the seabed. Located 15 miles offshore, south west of Barrow-in-Furness, the storage scheme will be connected to the National Gas Transmission System via a new pipeline to a gas compression station adjacent to the existing Morecambe gas terminals at Barrow. The commencement of storage services is targeted for 2014/15. www.gatewaystorage.co.uk

Infrastructure planning & consultation: using 3D animation

With community consultation a vital component of the planning process for energy projects, Taylor Keogh works with 3D Web Technologies, one of the UK’s leading computer graphics firm. The company designs interactive computer generated models that allow people to see and understand how new infrastructure projects, such as an onshore or offshore wind farm, a gas-fired power station or overhead pylons, will look against the existing landscape. Over the past 18 months, the company has worked with EDF Energy, E.ON and RWE npower.

Photo-montages, from fixed locations, have been used for many years but this interactive technology offers councils and communities a new way of seeing how projects will actually look.

Visual impact is often given as a main reason why a planning application is refused and 3D’s technology is helping to win applications by assuring people about the impact of a proposed project on their local environment. www.3dwebtech.co.uk

Planning regime gearing up for further change

Whilst the Infrastructure Planning Commission is set to continue until possibly as long as April 2012, the planning regime for infrastructure projects is set for further change as the Government seeks to ratify its National Policy Statements (by Spring 2011) and brings forward its Decentralisation & Localism Bill. The Bill will see the abolition of the IPC (to be merged into the Planning Inspectorate), devolution of greater powers to local authorities but with final decisions on major projects resting with the Secretary of State.

Ideally, the Government wants to see the best parts of the 2008 Planning Act (NPSs, statutory timetables and a single consenting regime) to dovetail with the Decentralisation & Localism Bill.

In the autumn of next year, it is conceivable that there will be three different consenting processes running concurrently for major energy projects: (1) applications lodged before the establishment of the IPC still going through the old ‘Section 36’ regime, (2) projects taken forward under the IPC framework: presently 48 out of the 54 projects (of which 80% are energy related) registered with the IPC are still at the pre-application stage and (3) projects that will be processed under the Major Infrastructure Planning Unit regime created by the Decentralisation and Localism Act Bill. This is set to go live in October 2011.

In practice, much of the IPC process and personnel are likely to remain in situ under a new name, with a Secretary of State, rather than an IPC commissioner giving the final seal of approval.

The IPC appears to be working “business as usual”: receiving applications, offering advice to developers and council planners as well as outreach work to local communities. Although the transition period is in their sights, the IPC are hopeful that the first batch of decisions will be made by the middle of next year.

Irrespective of the planning regime that is in place, public consultation is enshrined. Communication has always been a vital part of a successful consents process. Open dialogue with elected representatives and local communities and interest groups has always been necessary but now it is a statutory requirement.

Too often, the myths and fears of a proposed project become the biggest obstacle, and any barrier between the local community and the developer can lead to distrust and disapproval. Similarly, local politicians and officers can be lost straight away if the project is felt to have landed upon them with no warning. A proper introduction, not only to the project but the company as well, can ensure that the merits of any scheme have an increased chance of being heard.

Communication with the local community is vital, no matter how big a development is, as a groundswell against a proposed scheme at local level can be a project killer or at the very least be costly. Genuine dialogue is needed.

Government set to introduce Energy Security Bill

The long-awaited Energy Security & Green Economy Bill is expected to be introduced in the House of Lords in the first week of December. The Bill has been widely trailed, and barring any last minute changes, the bulk of the Bill will surround the ‘Green Deal’, changes in the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and importantly measures to improve the UK’s energy security.

The energy sector is used to the government introducing Energy Bills on a virtually annual basis, but for the Coalition which talks about wanting to be the ‘Greenest Government ever’ the Energy Security & Green Economy Bill will be the first taste of how this important piece of government legislation matches their previous rhetoric.

Since assuming power, the DECC ministerial team has been assiduous in keeping “on message”: on generation, they have been clear in stating their wish to see new nuclear, clean coal and gas, and more renewables (principally offshore wind, though still wishing to have onshore wind and biomass and in the longer-term wave and tidal). Ministers speak of the need to invest more than £200bn over the next decade to transform the country’s energy infrastructure: this will be a challenge given the financial climate, competing priorities for investment, and issues such as regulation and the UK’s planning process.

Looking more closely at the expected content of the Energy Bill, it is aimed at energy companies and suppliers, although the flagship Green Deal policy will require a large public take-up for it not to be considered a failure. The Government is expecting 250,000 new jobs to be created as a result of the Green Deal.

The Green Deal is centred on the premise of increasing the energy efficiency of properties, both domestic and non-domestic, and unlike the Warm Front policy of the previous government, there will be no subsidy for any improvements. Payments for work carried out will be attached to a property’s energy bills, which will then stay with the property, rather than moving with the individual.

It will be the energy company’s responsibility to collect these payments, and works carried out will have to be compliant with government guidelines, the primary one being the improvement will have to have a sufficient payback within the period, ensuring then policy’s “pay as you save” principle.

Another aspect of the Bill will be the creation of the new ‘Energy Company Obligation’, which will replace the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target system that is due to expire in 2012. As a way of ensuring energy efficiency households to fund certain efficiency improvements, the CERT scheme has had some success, but the new obligation is intended to work in unison with the Green Deal, especially towards those on low incomes and the vulnerable.

In addition, there will be new measures aiming at better security for gas and electricity supplies with new powers for OFGEM.

Some important areas of energy policy are not covered in the Bill; these include the Green Investment Bank (expected to take shape in the Spring of 2011), the possible carbon floor price and the changes in renewable subsidies. The future of ROCs is still uncertain as the outcome of the ROCs banding review is awaited (Q2/Q3 2011), as are the levels of support within the Feed-in Tariff.

There are already plans for another Energy Bill for the end of 2011, and it is also expected that details of the carbon floor and future funding levels are to be announced in the next Budget.

Given the importance of the energy sector to the British economy and indeed the country’s national security, coupled with the Government’s environmental and climate change policy objectives, the public policy and political agendas for those working in the sector will be challenging for a good few years.

Client News- Marine Current Turbines wins Sustainable Ireland Award

Marine Current Turbines has been recognised at the Sustainable Ireland Awards 2010 for making the ‘Best Use of Renewable Energy Sources.’ The Award acknowledged the success of the company’s SeaGen tidal technology, which has been operating in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough since 2008.

The award, sponsored by NWP Recycling, was handed over to MCT’s co-founder and Technical Director, Peter Fraenkel, at a ceremony held at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast (September 15th) where the keynote speaker was Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, Edwin Poots.

The independent judging panel was impressed with MCT’s SeaGen project in Strangford Lough where it has scored a world first, using innovative technology to harness sufficient energy from the tides to power hundreds of homes all year round. “To say that it has taken a lot of time and effort, not to mention inventiveness and ingenuity would be an understatement, but the company clearly had an abundance of belief, know-how and drive to reach its goal,” commented the judges.

This was the sixth year of the Energy, Environmental & Waste Management awards, organised by the Hillsborough based publishers of Sustainable Ireland magazine, 4SquareMedia, to celebrate the contribution industry makes to the environment and to sustainability.

Picture of MCT’s Technical Director (Peter Fraenkel) receiving the Award is available from Taylor Keogh Communications – 020 3170 8465.

About Marine Current Turbines:

1. Marine Current Turbines (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, Carbon Trust Investments, EDF Energy, ESB International, Guernsey Electricity, High Tide and Siemens Energy.

2. In September 2009, MCT was ranked the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey and in June 2009 won Renewable Energy Developer of the Year in the UK Renewable Energy Association Annual Awards.

3. MCT’s 1.2MW SeaGen was deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate power for the equivalent of about 1500 homes. It works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. The SeaGen turbine is subject to a rigorous monitoring programme imposed under its licensing conditions to ensure it does not threaten the marine life of Strangford Lough where it is located.

4. SeaGen is accredited by OFGEM as a UK power station and so is a recipient of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

5. Since February 2008, MCT has partnered RWE npower renewables on plans to develop a 10MW tidal farm in waters off Anglesey, north Wales and is working with Minas Bay Pulp & Paper to deploy a single SeaGen system in Canada’s Bay of Fundy. In September 2010, the company announced that it would partner ESB International in taking forward plans to develop a tidal energy farm of up to 100MW off the Antrim (Northern Ireland) coast.

6. In March 2010, MCT secured approval for a lease from The Crown Estate to deploy its SeaGen tidal current technology off Brough Ness, on the southern most tip of the Orkney Islands (South Ronaldsay) and north east of John O’Groats. The company plans to have its first phase of SeaGen tidal turbines deployed there during 2017 with the whole scheme operational by 2020.

For further information:

Marine Current Turbines (www.marineturbines.com)

Paul Taylor (Taylor Keogh Communications)

Tel: 020 3170 8465

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Client News-Marine Current Turbines and ESBI enter into agreement to develop major tidal energy project in Northern Ireland

ESB International (ESBI) has entered an agreement with tidal energy company Marine Current Turbines (MCT) to develop an initial phase of a 100MW tidal energy project off the Antrim coast in Northern Ireland.

ESBI and MCT will work together to submit a proposal to the forthcoming Marine Leasing Round in Northern Ireland to secure an Agreement for Lease from The Crown Estate to commence formal consenting of the project. If successful, and subject to the achievement of consent, the initial phase of the project, which will use the MCT SeaGen device, could be in operation by 2018. The ESBI/MCT project will assist Northern Ireland in achieving its marine renewable energy targets as outlined in the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment’s Strategic Action Plan which calls for 300MW of tidal energy by 2020.

SeaGen is the largest and most powerful tidal stream turbine in the world and the only one that is regularly generating electrcitiy for customers, having been accredited by OFGEM, the UK industry regulator, as an “official” power station. The award-winning 1.2MW turbine has been operating in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough since April 2008 and last month (August) achieved another operational milestone by delivering its 2 millionth kWh of power to the grid. Thanks to Strangford being an exceptionally energetic location, SeaGen regularly produces as much electricity as an average off-shore wind turbine of double the rated power. This power is already being sold by ESB’s retail electricity supply business, ESB Independent Energy, to customers in Northern Ireland.

Safeguarding the environment is a key issue and ESBI is preparing an environmental scoping report on the project as an initial step in undertaking a full environmental impact assessment. In order to gain a thorough understanding of the tidal potential, ESBI has also undertaken tidal resource measurements off the Antrim coast over the summer months. This data is currently being analysed and it is planned to undertake further surveys in the coming months.

ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, said ESB's strategy to 2020 involves focusing on sustainable and renewable energies. "We look forward to working with MCT on this exciting new project. Our aim is to use our experience and technical strength to support the development of a viable ocean energy industry in Ireland and this project is an important step in realising that goal", he said.

Martin Wright, Managing Director of Marine Current Turbines said "This agreement underlines the success to date of the SeaGen project in Strangford Lough but importantly the real and growing commercial interest in tidal energy. Our agreement with ESBI, which has been a valued shareholder in MCT for 2½ years, confirms MCT's tidal technology at being in the forefront in the race to harness the power of tides. We are pleased that ESBI has chosen MCT to develop the initial phase of this project."

Notes to Editors

About ESB

ESB has a corporate target to develop 150MW of ocean energy in Ireland by 2020 and the proposed tidal project off the Antrim Coast is a key project in delivering this target. ESB's retail subsidiary, ESB Independent Energy, already supplies tidal energy to its customers in Northern Ireland through its purchase of the electricity output from the SeaGen tidal facility in Strangford Lough. ESB is one of the first utilities in the world to provide tidal energy to its customers.

The Board of ESB approved a strategic framework with a €22 billion investment programme to 2020. The main focus of the framework is the sustainable and responsible use of natural resources, leading to the halving of its carbon emissions within 12 years and attainment of a carbon net-zero position by 2035. About half of the total €22 billion investment package will be devoted to renewables through direct investments in renewable energy projects and initiatives supporting sustainability such as smart metering and smart networks.

By 2020, ESB will be producing one-third of its electricity from renewable generation, delivering over 1,400MW of wind generation (with over 100MW already installed), and exploiting the potential of wave, tidal and biomass resources. ESB Networks will invest €11 billion in vital infrastructure to facilitate the development of up to 6,000MW of wind power on the island of Ireland.

www.esb.ie www.esbi.ie

About Marine Current Turbines

Marine Current Turbines Ltd (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, Carbon Trust Investments, EDF Energy, ESB International, Guernsey Electricity, High Tide and Siemens Energy. The company is chaired by Paul Lester, the former Chief Executive of VT Group plc.

In September 2009, MCT was ranked the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey and in June 2009 won Renewable Energy Developer of the Year in the UK Renewable Energy Association Annual Awards.

MCT’s 1.2MW SeaGen was deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate electricity for the equivalent of about 1500 homes and has the equivalent in energy output as a 2.5MW wind turbine. SeaGen works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. The SeaGen turbine is subject to a rigorous monitoring programme imposed under its licensing conditions to ensure it does not threaten the marine life of Strangford Lough where it is located.

MCT is working with RWE npower renewables to develop a 10MW tidal farm off Anglesey by 2013/2014 and with Minas Bay Pulp & Paper to deploy a single SeaGen system in Canada’s Bay of Fundy. In March 2010, MCT secured approval for a lease from The Crown Estate to deploy its SeaGen tidal current technology off Brough Ness, on the southern most tip of the Orkney Islands (South Ronaldsay) and north east of John O’Groats. The company plans to have its first phase of SeaGen tidal turbines deployed there during 2017 with the whole scheme operational by 2020.

TAYLOR KEOGH RECRUITING PR ACCOUNT MANAGER TO JOIN TEAM

Taylor Keogh Communications is seeking to recruit a PR Account Manager. The ideal candidate will have PR consultancy experience and will have a current knowledge of the UK energy and environment sectors, in particular the media that reports on these sectors and the political context within which these sectors operate. Strong writing and communication skills are essential. Also, the successful candidate will have new media experience, the ability to work independently as part of a small team and a clean driving licence. The company is based in West London but works with its clients across the UK. The role could be full or part-time based at our offices in Hammersmith. This is a great opportunity for an ambitious self-starter who is happy to work in a specialist and growing consultancy. We are looking for someone who can make a strong contribution from day one. If you are interested please email your CV to Clodagh@taylorkeogh.com.

ANGLESEY TIDAL ENERGY PLAN MOVE FORWARD

Public exhibition on August 23 & 24th at Holyhead Town Hall

Marine Current Turbines Ltd and its project partner, RWE npower renewables, will be hosting an exhibition about their plans to harness the power of the tidal waters off the north-west coast of Anglesey to generate electricity for up to 20% of the Island. The exhibition, open to members of the public, will be held at Holyhead Town Hall on August 23rd and 24th.

The exhibition is an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposed project, which was first announced in February 2008, in advance of Marine Current Turbines (MCT) and RWE npower renewables submitting a planning application for the offshore elements (the tidal turbines and the subsea cables) of the scheme to the Welsh Assembly Government. The application for offshore consent is likely to be submitted in September.

The proposed tidal energy scheme will consist of up to 9 turbines to be located between the Skerries group of rocks and islands and Carmel Head about 1Km off the Anglesey coast. The 10.5MW tidal farm, using the fast moving and predictable flow of the tides, will use MCT’s proven and award-winning tidal energy technology (known as SeaGen and which is essentially an underwater windmill) to generate enough power to supply electricity to around 10,000 homes – approximately 20% of Anglesey’s electricity demand.

Subject to securing planning and financing for the project, MCT and RWE npower renewables are targeting 2013/2014 for the start of commissioning. The estimated cost of the project is £50million.

For the past 36 months, the project team has been carrying out a series of environmental, engineering and technical studies to examine the suitability of the Skerries site and to assess the potential impact of the tidal farm on marine life and users of the sea.

In addition, Marine Current Turbines has consulted a range of organisations about its plans, including Ynys Mon County Council, the Countryside Council for Wales, RSPB, Trinity House, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences. In addition, MCT has spoken with a number of recreational groups that use the area including sailing, kayaking, diving and fishing groups. To date, the proposed scheme has been widely welcomed.

In the development of its plans for the Skerries, the company has drawn upon the experience of its tidal project in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough. The single SeaGen tidal turbine has been generating power into the local grid since 2008 and as part of its licence conditions to operate is subject to a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme.

Joseph Kidd, Development Manager at Marine Current Turbines said: “We consider the Skerries stretch of water to be an ideal site for a small tidal farm and we are keen to hear people’s views before we finalise the planning application. The exhibition is also an opportunity for people to learn more about the advantages of tidal power and how our scheme can benefit the Anglesey economy. The scheme will not only generate clean energy for local homes and businesses but also give local firms the chance to be involved in the tidal farm’s installation and operation.”

Commenting on the plans for the Skerries tidal farm, Albert Owen (MP for Yyns Mon) said: “I welcome all forms of renewable energy and hope that people will take this opportunity to look at this technology and the future that Anglesey has in tidal power.”

In Northern Ireland, a number of local companies such as marine support vessels, engineering and electrical contractors, civil engineers, environmental scientists and divers as well as local hotels, pubs and restaurants have benefited from MCT’s SeaGen project. It is estimated that the project has contributed more than £4.0m into the local economy over the past three years.

The Skerries tidal project exhibition will be held at Holyhead Town Hall Newry Street, Holyhead LL65 1HN

Monday, August 23rd from 2.00pm till 8.00pm

Tuesday, August 24th from 9.00am till 2.00pm

For further information:

Marine Current Turbines (www.marineturbines.com)

Joe Kidd, Project Manager

Tel: 0117 979 1888

or

Paul Taylor (Taylor Keogh Communications)

Tel: 020 3170 8465 / 07966 782611 /paul@taylorkeogh.com

RWE npower renewables

Mark Fleming

Tel: 01793 474173 / 07825 608096 / mark.fleming@rwe.com

Notes to Editors

About Marine Current Turbines:

1. Marine Current Turbines Ltd (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, Carbon Trust Investments, EDF Energy, ESB International, Guernsey Electricity, High Tide and Siemens Energy. The company is chaired by Paul Lester, the former Chief Executive of VT Group plc.

2. In September 2009, MCT was ranked the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey and in June 2009 won Renewable Energy Developer of the Year in the UK Renewable Energy Association Annual Awards.

3. MCT’s 1.2MW SeaGen was deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate electricity for the equivalent of about 1500 homes and has the equivalent in energy output as a 2.5MW onshore wind turbine. SeaGen works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. The SeaGen turbine is subject to a rigorous monitoring programme imposed under its licensing conditions to ensure it does not threaten the marine life of Strangford Lough where it is located.

4. SeaGen is accredited by OFGEM as a UK power station and so is a recipient of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

5. MCT is working with Minas Bay Pulp & Paper to deploy a single SeaGen system in Canada’s Bay of Fundy, and in March 2010, MCT secured approval for a lease from The Crown Estate to deploy its SeaGen tidal current technology off Brough Ness, on the southern most tip of the Orkney Islands (South Ronaldsay) and north east of John O’Groats. The company plans to have its first phase of SeaGen tidal turbines deployed there during 2017 with the whole scheme operational by 2020.

About RWE npower renewables:

1. RWE npower renewables is the UK subsidiary of RWE Innogy and is one of the UK's leading renewable energy developers and operators, committed to developing and operating wind farms and hydro plant to produce sustainable electricity. The company operates 17 hydroelectric power projects and 23 wind farms in the UK, including the country's first major offshore wind farm, North Hoyle. RWE npower renewables is also working with marine energy technology partners to deliver new wave and tidal stream power projects in the UK. Through our existing projects and those in development, we are working in close partnership with communities and companies throughout the UK. As Government policy focuses on achieving its EU commitment for 15% of UK energy to come from renewables sources by 2020, renewable electricity generation will need to increase to 30% of total output. We will be at the forefront of realising this aim.

2. In Wales, the company operates six hydroelectric power projects in North Wales, two offshore wind farms – North Hoyle, the UK's first major offshore wind farm, and Rhyl Flats, the largest renewables project in Wales, both off the North Wales coast. It also operates seven onshore wind farms from Neath in South Wales to Anglesey in the north.

3.RWE Innogy pools the renewable energy expertise and generating plant of the RWE Group. The company plans, builds and operates renewable power generation facilities, and aims to vigorously grow its renewable energy capacity in the UK and Continental Europe.

4. RWE npower renewables is a sister company to RWE npower, a leading integrated UK energy company with around 6.8 million customer accounts. RWE npower also owns and operates a flexible portfolio of conventional power stations as well as a portfolio of cogeneration plant producing more than 10% of the electricity used in England and Wales.

5. RWE is a major employer in Wales, operating three renewables office bases in South, Mid and North Wales, the Aberthaw Power Station and two Combined Heat and Power plants at Barry and Bridgend. In all, RWE's installed conventional and renewable energy generation in Wales supplies the equivalent of around one-third of Wales' electricity needs.

6. For further information about RWE npower renewables and RWE Innogy visit www.npower-renewables.com and www.rweinnogy.com For further information about RWE npower visit www.rwenpower.com

Client News- MCT passes another milestone

World's most powerful tidal stream turbine passes another milestone: two million kWh delivered

Date of issue: Tuesday, August 17th 2010

Marine Current Turbines’ SeaGen, the world’s first and only commercial scale tidal stream energy turbine, has passed another electricity generation milestone. The 1.2MW SeaGen, located in Strangford Lough (Northern Ireland), has delivered its two millionth unit of electricity into the UK electricity grid. It is now operating 24 hours, seven days a week and is well on course to be the first tidal system to meet the power generation criteria for the UK Government’s Marine Renewables Deployment Fund.

SeaGen is the only tidal energy system regularly generating power into the UK electricity grid and is the only tidal system to be accredited by OFGEM as a UK power station and also as a recipient of ROCs (Renewable Obligation Certificates). SeaGen is producing as much electricity as an average off-shore wind turbine of double the capacity and, unlike wind power generation, SeaGen’s output is wholly predictable.

Peter Fraenkel, Technical Director of Marine Current Turbines said: “Passing the 2 million kWh mark represents considerable progress and underlines the significant potential that our technology and base-load tidal energy has to offer. We are delivering marine energy on a daily basis which shows that our SeaGen technology is leading the race to harness the power of the seas by a large margin.”

It took SeaGen from July 2008 until March of this year to generate the first million units largely due to licence restictions placed on its operation. However since March the restrictions, to check that SeaGen’s operation did not have any adverse effect on marine life, have been significantly relaxed by the regulating authority and 24/7 operation has been allowed. So in just the five months since 24/7 operation started, SeaGen has delivered its second million.”

Peter Fraenkel added: “SeaGen, which produces 1.2MW for all current velocities higher than 2.4m/s, remains the world’s most powerful tidal turbine and after two years of development and successful operation is ready to be deployed on a commercial basis in other stretches of tidal water.

“It is worth clarifying that the key factor, which fixes the energy capturing capability of a tidal turbine, is its effective rotor swept area; this gives a measure of the amount of the resource that the machine can capture energy from. SeaGen’s twin rotors sweep 402 square meters of cross-section of current which is much larger than other tidal stream systems which are to be tested shortly. More importantly, SeaGen has been generating power for the past two years and therefore is unique as the world’s only megawatt scale tidal turbine with a verifiable and audited generating track record.”

Notes to Editors

1. Marine Current Turbines Ltd (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, Carbon Trust Investments, EDF Energy, ESB International, Guernsey Electricity, High Tide and Siemens Energy. The company is chaired by Paul Lester, the former Chief Executive of VT Group plc.

2. In September 2009, MCT was ranked the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey and in June 2009 won Renewable Energy Developer of the Year in the UK Renewable Energy Association Annual Awards.

3. MCT’s 1.2MW SeaGen was deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate electricity for the equivalent of about 1500 homes and has the equivalent in energy output as a 2.5MW onshore wind turbine. SeaGen works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. The SeaGen turbine is subject to a rigorous monitoring programme imposed under its licensing conditions to ensure it does not threaten the marine life of Strangford Lough where it is located.

4. MCT is working with RWE npower renewables to develop a 10MW tidal farm off Anglesey and with Minas Bay Pulp & Paper to deploy a single SeaGen system in Canada’s Bay of Fundy. In March 2010, MCT secured approval for a lease from The Crown Estate to deploy its SeaGen tidal current technology off Brough Ness, on the southern most tip of the Orkney Islands (South Ronaldsay) and north east of John O’Groats. The company plans to have its first phase of SeaGen tidal turbines deployed there during 2017 with the whole scheme operational by 2020.

Client News-PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHS PLANNING PR SERVICES TO UK ENERGY SECTOR

TAYLOR KEOGH PARTNERS WITH INTERACTIVE COMPUTER GRAPHICS FIRM TO STRENGHTEN PLANNING PR & CONSULTATION SERVICES TO UK ENERGY SECTOR

Taylor Keogh Communications, the London-based PR firm that specialises in the UK energy and environment sectors, has entered into a partnership agreement with 3D Web Technologies, one of the UK’s leading computer graphics firm. The agreement will strengthen Taylor Keogh’s range of planning PR services to power station and wind farm projects as well as developers of other major infrastructure projects in the UK.

3D Web Technologies, based in Altrincham (Cheshire), provides energy companies and public sector organisations with interactive computer generated models that allow people to see and understand how new projects, such as an onshore or offshore wind farm or a gas-fired power station, will look against the existing landscape. Over the past 18 months, the company has worked with EDF Energy, E.ON and RWE npower.

Andy Dennison, Director of 3D Web Technologies said: “Using the very latest computer software, we are giving people living or working in the vicinity of a proposed power project, such as a gas-fired power station or a route of overhead electricity pylons, an accurate view of how it will look. Photo-montages, from fixed locations, have been used for many years but our interactive technology helps projects come to life.”

Paul Taylor, Managing Director of Taylor Keogh Communications said: “With a large amount of new investment in the UK’s energy infrastructure required over the next decade, project developers and the planning authorities are looking more closely at new and innovative ways to explain the visual impact of their projects. Visual impact, often without justification, is often given as the main reason why a planning application is refused.

“We have seen the positive public response to 3D’s technology. It can provide our clients with a fantastic resource to show and crucially assure people about the impact of a proposed project on their local environment.

“3D Web Technologies is one of the UK’s most experienced and exciting companies working in this sector and so we are delighted to have entered into a partnership agreement with them. We believe that the planning challenges facing the energy and utility sector will only increase over the next few years and having 3D as part of the Taylor Keogh team will be hugely valuable.”

Notes to Editors:

Taylor Keogh Communications (www.taylorkeogh.com) was established in 2003. The company works across the energy spectrum, providing clients with a range of PR/communications services including planning/public consultation, media relations, corporate/financial PR and public affairs.

3D Web Technologies (www.3dwebtech.co.uk) was established in 1997 making the company one of the longest established producers of interactive 3D models in the UK. It has extensive experience and understanding, not only of the production of interactive 3D models but also in their application as communication and consultation tools. The company’s 3D models effectively engage, communicate and inform audiences ranging from government departments through to local councillors, town planners, architects, land owners and the public.

For further information:

Taylor Keogh Communications
Paul Taylor: 020 3170 8465 / paul@taylorkeogh.com

3d web technologies ltd
Andy Dennison: 0161 942 9940 / andyD@3dwebtech.co.uk

Client News-VISITS SEAGEN AT STRANGFORD LOUGH

PRINCE OF WALES VISITS SEAGEN AT STRANGFORD LOUGH

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has visited Marine Current Turbines’ SeaGen, the world leading marine current and tidal stream technology that is deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough and generating power into the local grid on a daily basis.

HRH was greeted (May 13th) by Mr David Lindsay the Lord-Lieutenant for County Down and went on to meet Mrs Arlene Foster MLA Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Martin Wright Managing Director of Marine Current Turbines (MCT), and Professor Peter Gregson DL President and Vice-Chancellor Queen’s University Belfast. The Queen’s Marine Research facility at Portaferry, on the shore of Strangford Lough, provides an operating and monitoring base for MCT and offers research assistance to the company in its operation of SeaGen.

His Royal Highness attended a short presentation on the SeaGen project from MCT’s Martin Wright and colleagues and then sailed out to the turbine to see the project in its operational environment.

Picture attached: Seeing SeaGen close up - HRH Prince Charles with Mrs Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland’s Minister of Enterprise, Trade & Investment.

Notes to Editors:
1. Marine Current Turbines Ltd (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, Carbon Trust Investments, EDF Energy, ESB International, Guernsey Electricity, High Tide and Siemens Energy.

2. In September 2009, MCT was ranked the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey and in June 2009 won Renewable Energy Developer of the Year in the UK Renewable Energy Association Annual Awards.

3. MCT’s 1.2MW SeaGen was deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate power for the equivalent of about 1500 homes. It works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. The SeaGen turbine is subject to a rigorous monitoring programme imposed under its licensing conditions to ensure it does not threaten the marine life of Strangford Lough where it is located.

4. SeaGen is accredited by OFGEM as a UK power station and so is a recipient of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

5. Since February 2008, MCT has partnered RWE npower renewables on plans to develop a 10MW tidal farm in waters off Anglesey, north Wales and is working with Minas Bay Pulp & Paper to deploy a single SeaGen system in Canada’s Bay of Fundy.

6. In March 2010, MCT secured approval for a lease from The Crown Estate to deploy its SeaGen tidal current technology off Brough Ness, on the southern most tip of the Orkney Islands (South Ronaldsay) and north east of John O’Groats. The company plans to have its first phase of SeaGen tidal turbines deployed there during 2017 with the whole scheme operational by 2020.

Client News-AWS Prototype deployed in Loch Ness

BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH NEW WAVE ENERGY DEVICE FROM AWS
Prototype being tested in Loch Ness

Scottish marine energy technology developer, AWS Ocean Energy, has started testing its new wave energy device in Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.

The Inverness based company has deployed a 1/9th scale of its AWS-III device, a ring-shaped multi-cell surface-floating wave power system, the result of almost two years of intensive research and development work. AWS Ocean Energy is aiming to deploy a full-system prototype AWS-III during 2012 and a pre-commercial demonstrator plant during 2013.

Simon Grey, Chief Executive of AWS Ocean Energy said: “In developing the design of the AWS-III, we believe we have addressed the fundamental barriers to delivering practical wave energy. We have eliminated moving mechanical parts in contact with sea-water by using a novel system of flexible diaphragms arranged around a steel hull and incorporating air turbines.”

A single utility-scale AWS-III, measuring around 60 metres in diameter, will be capable of generating up to 2.5 Megawatts (MW) of continuous power, providing customers with an affordable solution to generating bulk power from the ocean waves.

To support the development of the AWS-III, the company earlier this year secured a £2.3 million investment from Scottish Enterprise’s Scottish Co-investment Fund and the Shell Technology Ventures Fund 1 B.V and the company has since applied for and is hopeful of securing further financial support for the development of the AWS-III device from the Scottish Government’s WATERS programme that will support marine energy R&D in Scotland.

A key stage now for AWS Ocean is its testing of the AWS-III device on Loch Ness over the next four months. No electricity will be generated by the 1/9th scale device but it will provide valuable design data and confirm the AWS-III’s revenue generation potential. The company will then build and deploy a full-scale single cell in order to prove the durability of the diaphragms prior to launching a 12-cell, 2.5MW pre-commercial demonstrator in 2012. Subject to financing and planning consents, the company plans to have a 10MW pre-commercial demonstration farm operating in 2014.

Technology Research & Development/Technology Convergence
The design and deployment of the AWS-III is the culmination of eight years research and development by the company’s engineering team. AWS Ocean Energy deployed its first Archimedes Waveswing test device in 2004 (off Portugal) and designed a second generation device in 2008. Whilst the Waveswing concept was regarded as highly efficient, and competitive with other leading wave energy technologies, the company decided that further work was required to develop a third-generation system which could provide utility-scale levels of power and be competitive with other forms of renewables, in particular offshore wind generation.

During the development of the AWS-III, the in-house engineering team identified similarities to another wave device, the “Coventry Clam”, developed by Coventry University’s engineering department in the 1970s.

Simon Grey, Chief Executive of AWS Ocean Energy said: “We started with the highly efficient Waveswing concept and looked at different ways to achieve the change in sub-sea volume essential to efficient wave energy conversion. This led us to looking at flexible materials and in turn to the Coventry Clam, a device which had shown significant promise. The AWS-III however has important differences which solve some problems inherent in the clam design and improve power conversion.

“It is reassuring that two teams working some 30 years apart have come up with such similar concepts. The development routes were remarkably similar – the Coventry team started with the Salter Duck, a leading concept of its time whilst we started with Waveswing. Both concepts were highly efficient but too expensive and a natural evolution process led us both to the same point. The experience in Coventry, combined with our own has produced a cracking team and we believe a winning technology.”

Testing the AWS-III/Moving towards commercialisation
The company’s path towards commercial deployment is being supported by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) which includes some of the most respected figures in the offshore engineering and renewable energy industries. The TAC is chaired by Dr Bruce Storm, formerly of Halliburton and now Chief Technology Officer of Kenda Capital who said: “The progressive and pragmatic approach that AWS Ocean is taking is welcomed. The company has refused to be rushed in their approach and this gives investors and potential industrial partners confidence.”

In parallel with the development of the AWS-III, the company is developing associated, patented technologies such as remote mooring systems and believes there is significant potential for manufacturing key components in Scotland.

Simon Grey added: ““This is a really exciting time for us. We are talking to several major industrial groups who can see that our progressive approach will have dealt with technology risk by early 2011. If marine energy is to reach its full potential, the sector must offer low-risk, competitive energy solutions. By doing this, major industrial players will invest further, provide the necessary capital to fund large-scale roll-out and thereby help to strengthen the UK’s clean-tech economy – new jobs, low-carbon generation and significant export potential.

“We consider the knowledge that we have gained over the past few years, and the technical advances that we are making with the AWS-III, will ensure that AWS Ocean Energy will play an important part in the long-term development of the UK’s marine renewables industry.”

Picture caption: the AWS-III wave energy test device deployed in Scotland’s Loch Ness.

Notes to Editors:
1. AWS Ocean Energy (www.awsocean.com) is based in Inverness and is chaired by John Anderson, the Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial Exchange.

2. The company’s board and executive management team are advised by a Technical Advisory Committee comprising:
Dr Bruce Storm (formerly of Halliburton and a R&D physicist)
Professor Antonio Sarmento (IST Lisbon, Head of Portugal’s Wave Energy Centre)
Dr Tom Thorpe (wave energy specialist)
Andrew Mill (Chief Executive, NaREC and former Managing Director of EMEC)
Terry Rhodes (Head of Offshore Structures, Shell UK)

3. Kenda Capital B.V. (www.kendacapital.com) is the independently owned manager of STVF1 which made its first investment in AWS Ocean Energy in February 2008. Kenda Capital B.V. and STVF1 maintain a unique technology relationship with Shell. Major investors in STVF1 are Shell, Coller Capital and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. STVF1 also has proprietary access to oil and gas field operations and wells in order to test, prove and demonstrate combinations of new technologies. STVF1 is a unique, large scale investment fund focused at reducing the cost of energy by accelerating the development and deployment of new technologies. Kenda and STVF1 possess a solid energy sector expertise, fostered through its technology relationship with the Shell Group.

4. The Scottish Co-investment Fund is a £72 million equity investment fund established by Scottish Enterprise, and partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, to invest from £100,000 to £1 million in company finance deals of up to £2 million.

For further information
AWS Ocean Energy (www.awsocean.com)
Paul Taylor of Taylor Keogh Communications: +44 (0) 20 3170 8466 / paul@taylorkeogh.com

Client News-UK ENERGY MINISTER APPLAUDS SEAGEN TIDAL PROJECT

UK ENERGY MINISTER APPLAUDS SEAGEN TIDAL PROJECT

On a visit to Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, the UK’s Energy Minister, today congratulated Marine Current Turbines (MCT) on its achievements to design, deploy and operate its SeaGen tidal current energy system.

SeaGen is the largest grid-connected marine renewable energy system in the world and which last month exceeded 1000 hours of commercial operation. SeaGen is the first tidal current energy system in the world to have achieved this milestone. The 1.2MW tidal current turbine, which was deployed in April 2008, has achieved a capacity factor of 66% and so far delivered more than 800MWh of electricity into the National Grid.

Lord Hunt, who used his visit to launch the Marine Energy Action Plan for UK waters, said “I applaud Marine Current Turbines’ pioneering work with SeaGen. The company’s engineering expertise and determination is to be admired. The success of the SeaGen project shows how British companies, like MCT, with the active support from Government, can harness the massive energy potential that exists in British and overseas waters, and at the same time form the basis of a new and world-class industry for Britain.”

Martin Wright, Managing Director of Marine Current Turbines said: “We are delighted to welcome Lord Hunt to Strangford Lough. The support and encouragement of the UK Government, both in London and Belfast, were instrumental in getting SeaGen deployed. SeaGen is showing that tidal power can be a reality. We hope that SeaGen’s demonstrable success will help to maintain the vital political impetus necessary for Government policy initiatives that are still required to commercialise the technology and ensure that it, together with the rest of the British marine energy sector, makes a long-term contribution to the UK economy. “

“The recent investment in MCT made by global engineering company, Siemens, underlines the commercial potential and engineering quality of our patented SeaGen technology but a significant step change in the financing of marine energy projects will be necessary if we are to deploy the UK’s first tidal array by 2012. SeaGen’s success, coupled with the support of Siemens, Carbon Trust Investments and our other shareholders, puts MCT in a strong position to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

Siemens Energy’s investment in Marine Current Turbines was announced last month (February 25th 2010). New investment in the company from the Carbon Trust, EDF Energy and other shareholders was secured in December 2009 and February 2010. These two funding rounds totalled £8.5million.

In February 2010, Marine Current Turbines also received £2.7m from the UK Government’s Marine Renewables Proving Fund and administered by the Carbon Trust. This funding stream is being used to support the improvement of SeaGen’s operation and its future installation.

Notes to Editors:

1. Marine Current Turbines Ltd (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, Carbon Trust Investments, EDF Energy, ESB International, Guernsey Electricity, High Tide and Siemens Energy.

2. In September 2009, MCT was ranked the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey and in June 2009 won Renewable Energy Developer of the Year in the UK Renewable Energy Association Annual Awards.

3. MCT’s 1.2MW SeaGen was deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate power for the equivalent of about 1500 homes. It works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. The SeaGen turbine is subject to a rigorous monitoring programme imposed under its licensing conditions to ensure it does not threaten the marine life of Strangford Lough where it is located.

4. SeaGen is accredited by OFGEM as a UK power station and so is a recipient of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

5. Since February 2008, MCT has partnered RWE npower renewables on plans to develop a 10MW tidal farm in waters off Anglesey, north Wales and is working with Minas Bay Pulp & Paper to deploy a single SeaGen system in Canada’s Bay of Fundy.

Client News-MARINE CURRENT TURBINES TO DEPLOY TIDAL FARM OFF ORKNEY AFTER SECURING SITE LEASE FROM THE CROWN ESTATE

MARINE CURRENT TURBINES TO DEPLOY TIDAL FARM OFF ORKNEY

AFTER SECURING SITE LEASE FROM THE CROWN ESTATE

Marine Current Turbines Ltd has secured approval for a lease from The Crown Estate to deploy its award-winning SeaGen tidal current technology off Brough Ness, on the southern most tip of the Orkney Islands (South Ronaldsay) and north east of John O’Groats. The company plans to have its first phase of SeaGen tidal turbines deployed during 2017 with the whole scheme operational by 2020.

Marine Current Turbines (MCT) is planning to install 66 SeaGen tidal turbines in three phases over a four year period in a site area of 4.3 square kilometres. The Brough Ness tidal array will have a total generating capacity of 99MW – enough power for nearly 100,000 homes.

SeaGen is the world-leading prototype tidal energy turbine designed and deployed by MCT. It is the largest grid-connected marine renewable energy system in the world and which last month exceeded 1000 hours of commercial operation in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough. It is the first tidal current energy system in the world to have achieved this milestone. The 1.2MW tidal current turbine, which was deployed in April 2008, has achieved a capacity factor of 66% and so far delivered more than 800MWh of electricity into the National Grid.

Martin Wright, Managing Director of Marine Current Turbines said: “The Pentland Firth and Orkney waters are strategically the most important marine energy areas in Western Europe so we are delighted to have secured approval for a lease by The Crown Estate. I believe that MCT is in a very strong position to capitalise on this significant and challenging opportunity. MCT already has the valuable experience of deploying and operating SeaGen in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough and within the next two to three years we expect to have deployed our first tidal farm in UK waters.”

Subject to financing and final agreements with The Crown Estate, Marine Current Turbines is aiming to secure planning and environment consents for Brough Ness by 2015, to start construction in 2016 and the first phase of deployment in 2017. The timing of construction and deployment will be dependent on the local grid infrastructure being strengthened.

Roger Bright CB, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate said: "I am delighted to announce that Marine Current Turbines has been awarded the Brough Ness site to develop 99MW of tidal energy power in Pentland Firth And Orkney Waters, the world’s first commercial wave and tidal leasing round.

"The 1.2GW of installed capacity proposed by the wave and tidal energy developers for 2020, shows the world that marine energy can produce meaningful amounts of electricity and offers a real alternative to conventional power production. The long term prospects for this growing industry are exceptionally bright, with vast amounts of untapped energy in the seas all around the UK. It will create new businesses and jobs as well as attracting inward investment.”

As with its SeaGen project in Northern Ireland, where local companies played a prominent part in delivering the scheme, Marine Current Turbines will look to companies in the Orkneys and Caithness & Sutherland to support its Brough Ness tidal project.

Martin Wright added: “We recognise that the local supply chain could provide us with valuable expertise, not least in marine and port services, and in engineering and fabrication. We are very keen to work with local companies and the local agencies so that they can share in this exciting opportunity.”

This latest news from MCT comes a day after Lord Hunt, the UK’s Energy Minister visited the company’s SeaGen project in Northern Ireland (March 15th), and follows Siemens Energy’s investment in Marine Current Turbines that was announced last month (February 25th 2010) and new investment in the company from the Carbon Trust, EDF Energy and other shareholders in December 2009 and February 2010. These two funding rounds totalled £8.5million.

In February 2010, Marine Current Turbines also received £2.7m from the UK Government’s Marine Renewables Proving Fund and administered by the Carbon Trust. This funding stream is being used to support the improvement of SeaGen’s operation and its future installation.

Notes to Editors:

1. Marine Current Turbines Ltd (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, Carbon Trust Investments, EDF Energy, ESB International, Guernsey Electricity, High Tide and Siemens Energy.

2. In September 2009, MCT was ranked the world’s top tidal energy company in The Guardian/Clean Tech Global 100 Survey and in June 2009 won Renewable Energy Developer of the Year in the UK Renewable Energy Association Annual Awards.

3. MCT’s 1.2MW SeaGen was deployed in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough in April 2008; it has the capacity to generate power for the equivalent of about 1500 homes. It works in principle much like an “underwater windmill” with the rotors driven by the power of the tidal currents rather than the wind. The SeaGen turbine is subject to a rigorous monitoring programme imposed under its licensing conditions to ensure it does not threaten the marine life of Strangford Lough where it is located.

4. SeaGen is accredited by OFGEM as a UK power station and so is a recipient of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

5. Since February 2008, MCT has partnered RWE npower renewables on plans to develop a 10MW tidal farm in waters off Anglesey, north Wales and is working with Minas Bay Pulp & Paper to deploy a single SeaGen system in Canada’s Bay of Fundy.