"Marathon Not A Sprint"

Those of you who've heard me speak at public meetings will know I'm always saying this project is a marathon not a sprint. Over the past 6-9 months we have been researching the deployment of tidal stream devices to ensure the maximum energy extraction with the minimum environmental impact. All the work is primary research. We can put people on the moon but we cannot say what happens if you put rows of turbines in a tidal stream! We've identified a number of leading academics who are on the verge of undertaking research into this which will be of significant importance to us. Understanding where the turbines will be deployed is also critical to firming up the route the bridge will need to take across the Bay.

Seeking Your Views

We have just undertaken a number of community based meetings in Barrow and Dalton. A meeting was also held in Morecambe. We have always stated our intent to ensure that the people who live, work and play in and around the Bay are kept informed as we progress and can have their say about what we propose. Already we have learnt a lot. And we understand the concerns about increased traffic and noise that have been raised and are ensuring that these are major considerations when we research impacts and consider designs. We are also delighted by the overall level of support for the proposals from the public.

Our aim is to do more community based meetings over the next six months in and around Morecambe and Heysham. If you would like someone to come and meet your community please contact us.

Update on Progress with Tidal Turbines

We have just returned from visiting the Norwegian Tidal Turbine Developers (www.wpi.no) and made progress in discussions with them about deploying their vertical axis turbine in Morecambe Bay. They have had a turbine tested in the Pikerfoss River in Norway and are adapting it for the Tinfos. It will need further development for use in a tidal setting. Tidal energy is very much in its infancy and although we would prefer to buy a turbine "off the shelf" it is unlikely that this will be possible. The Norwegian company are committed to the turbine being manufactured in the NW England so we are also progressing how this could best be done. WPI are also involved in a collaborative EU CRAFT Project which is researching the optimal foil design and the self-optimising pitch control. Vertical axis turbines are not new technology but using 21st century materials and controls enables a step change in performance.

Happy New Year

We have now received the proposals from the Norwegian company - WPI - for the deployment of their vertical axis tidal turbine design in Morecambe Bay. This will now be given an independent technical appraisal by our advisors. As so much of this technology is new we understand there will be a need for further development before we can actually put turbines in the Bay. This will be part of future discussions with WPI. WPI are happy that any manufacturing could be done in the North West of England. We are delighted as this will potentially be another benefit for the local economy. In the meantime we continue to work up the proposals for the Environmental Impact Assessment. A major piece of work which is estimated to cost around £2m and take up to 28months.

Tidal Turbines

Following on from the report by HR Wallingford, we are in discussions with tidal turbine developers about how we could use their turbines to extract tidal energy in Morecambe Bay. The Norwegian company we are talking to have been across to look at the Bay and saw high tide from Heysham Head and low tide at Rampside. They found this an invaluable experience. These discussions will enable us to have a good idea which turbines could be used and where and what this means for the bridge design.

bridgeacrossthebay

Today David Brockbank, Chairman announced that "the research undertaken on tidal energy had concluded that there could be enough energy in Morecambe Bay to fuel 80% of the households in the North West". However he went on to stress that Bridge Across the Bay would aim "to extract no more than 10%" because of our commitment to "minimising the impact on the environment". The full research findings will be available soon at www.bridgeacrossthebay.org.uk Bridge Across The Bay will now enter into detailed discussions (using the reseach findings) with tidal turibine developers in UK and Overseas to progress their proposals for a bridge that produces renewable energy.

Hello

These are the ambitious goals of Bridge across the Bay, who aim to develop such a green bridge between Heysham and Barrow crossing Morecambe Bay in the North West of England.

We believe that by adapting the latest technologies to harness energy from tides, waves, wind and sun to we can generate significant amounts of renewable electricity with minimal environmental impact; and through using innovative and sustainable approaches we feel we can make this project environmentally and socially beneficial.

However this project is a marathon not a sprint. It will take at least 10 years to complete; with each stage involving long periods of research.

And we want to hear what people think. Setting up this Blog is another way of letting you know what is happening; you telling us what you think; exchanging ideas and information; etc.