Abstract
Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd is proposing to construct and operate an 8 megawatt (MW) rated capacity demonstration array of tidal stream turbines. The ‘Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array’ (henceforth referred to as "the Project") is proposed to be situated in the narrow strait between the Isle of Skye and mainland Scotland, known as Kyle Rhea. Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd is a project company established by Marine Current Turbines Ltd (MCT), who are the world’s leading tidal turbine technology developer and part of the Siemens group. The development of an array represents the next step in the development of tidal energy projects, following the successful commercial demonstration of single devices including MCT’s SeaGen device at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. Whilst a tidal array in the Sound of Islay has been consented, there are currently no constructed and operational tidal arrays in the world. The tidal industry has an important role to play in contributing to the UK Government’s target for renewable energy to provide 15% of the gross annual electricity generation by 2020, and the Scottish Government’s targets of providing the equivalent of 100% of Scotland's gross annual electricity consumption by 2020 from renewable sources.
This document constitutes the Environmental Statement (ES) under The Electricity Works (EIA)(Scotland) Regulations 2000, and provides details of the project and key findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out for the Project. The ES supports an application for a Marine Licence under the Marine Scotland Act 2010, consent under the Section 36 Electricity Act 1989, and consent for the offshore aspects of the Project under the Town and Country (Scotland) Planning Act 1997 (as amended)