On January 22 2009, the Scottish Government granted consent for the Siadar Wave Energy Project (SWEP) on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
The SWEP which is a joint project between npower renewables and Wavegen is an exciting proposal consisting of an "active breakwater" which would harness power from the Atlantic waves in Siadar Bay to generate up to 4 megawatts of electricity. It will be a near shore structure, about 350 metres from the shore.
The SWEP is based upon the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) principle.
The energy produced each year could supply the average annual electricity needs of approximately 1500 homes equal to a fifth of all homes on Lewis and Harris.
The team at npower renewables has been working hard to develop a viable scheme, enlisting the support of external specialists to assist in designing a breakwater and other engineering features.
In addition, Wavegen has continued to refine the turbine design through a programme of testing and modelling. An environmental assessment of the site and surrounding area is nearing completion. The work undertaken has been carried out by independent specialists so that SWEP can be designed with minimal effect on its surroundings. Work undertaken includes:
- Landscape and visual assessments
- On shore noise assessments
- Marine habitats and ecology assessments
- Archaeology studies
- Transport and route access assessments
Siadar Wave Power Scheme
