Environment
Site Selection
The Isle of Wight project site was considered as part of the wider site selection process for The Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC). Tidal currents accelerate around the headland of St. Catherine’s Point to over 3 m/s., which is optimal for turbines to generate low carbon energy.
The site was also selected to avoid or minimise disruption to the natural environment, local stakeholders, and other sea users around the Isle of Wight.
Carbon Emission Reduction
- Whole lifecycle carbon footprint of the first generation O2 technology is independently verified as already in line with mature renewables technologies (18 gCO2 eq / kWh) and lower than Solar PV.
- Carbon payback period within 16 months against UK grid mix.
- Aim to reduce technology carbon footprint by a further 25% within 2 years.
- Rigorous environmental policies implemented for supply selection, waste management, carbon reduction and environmental impact.
Each O2 turbine:
Can offset 2,200 tonnes
Of CO2 annually
Can produce 120 tonnes
Of green hydrogen annually
Can power an average UK home for a day
With just 2 turns of the rotors
Can drive an EV 150 miles
In just 1 minute of operation
Environmental Interactions
A full environmental impact review for the Orbital Isle of Wight project was carried out as part of the wider PTEC environmental studies and assessment.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the statutory offshore consenting authority, conducted a comprehensive review and concluded that the Environmental Statement and associated potential impacts of the proposed project were acceptable*. As part of this, Orbital will ensure key environmental project interactions are closely monitored and used constructively to advance industry understanding and scientific knowledge in this area.
*Ref. no: MLA/2014/00563/2