Solway Energy Gateway Project - Talk

 - 11 January 2012

Talk Subject

The flagship project of Solway Energy Gateway Ltd (SEGL) to construct a tidal energy generating alignment across the Solway Firth will be the subject of the next free event held jointly by the West Cumbria branches of the Institution of Mechanical and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

The illustrated presentation will be made by Nigel Catterson from SEGL, at the Wild Solway Centre, Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport at 7:30 on Wednesday 11th January.

The presentation will provide an overview of the proposal to construct a tidal energy generating alignment between Bowness on Solway and Seafield, Annan, at the point where a viaduct once spanned the Firth. The Firth is one mile across at this 'pinch' point, with the estuary widening on either side of it, consequently the tidal flow becomes concentrated. It has been calculated that there could be a capacity for circa 250MW at this point. Therefore, the Solway Firth has enough energy to make a significant contribution both locally and to the UK energy requirement.

The Solway has a rich and diverse ecology. As a consequence of its unique environment it attracts the highest ratings of protection (RAMSAR, SPA, SAC, SSSI). Therefore, any tidal capture project will have to be very sensitively approached ensuring balance is maintained. The proposal seeks to demonstrate a new approach to development by demonstrating that the needs of humankind and nature can be effectively balanced. It proposes that the most sustainable view is long term, creating a positive legacy for future generations. It seeks to create a sense of collective ownership and responsibility through demonstrating a new approach to 'ways of working'.

The event is free and open to everyone interested in understanding how such challenges are to be met. Refreshments will be available from 7:00pm with the presentation starting at 7:30 prompt. There is no need to register interest.

Speaker Details / Biography: Nigel Catterson

Nigel started his career with Guide Dogs for the Blind as an Apprentice Mobility Instructor in 1967, before moving to the Republic of Ireland in 1980 to set up the Irish Guide Dogs Association. Nigel returned to England in 1986 and took over a near bankrupt Village store with a view to building up the business. Following this he moved to Canada in 1988 to join Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind with a mission to set up a Training Centre, after which he returned to England end of 1989 and took on a franchise of The Body Shop.

Nigel developed an interest in raising awareness of environmental and human rights issues and believed the High Street was the most effective place to do this. He opened the Body Shop in Carlisle in 1990 and the franchise ended up with five shops in Cumbria, North Lancashire and South West Scotland by 1997. Nigel sold the business in 2004 and became the co-founder and Chair of the Carlisle Environmental Forum, Cumbria Waste Management Environmental Trust and Cumbria Business Environmental Network. The Utropia concept (a model of sustainable living, working and being) as a solution to develop Derwent Forest at Broughton Moor was conceived by Nigel in 2000, and has continued to evolve and mature over the intervening years. In 2011 the Derwent Forest Development Consortium for which Nigel is the Chairman of, was awarded the lease for the site Derwent Forest Site.

In 2006 following the Carlisle floods Nigel took on the challenge of developing a proposal to extract tidal energy from the Solway, starting with the concept of a barrage (the only option available at the time) and developed the interest and momentum necessary to get a feasibility study funded. An experienced team together and developed a strong relationship with Peter Roberts, Inventor of the SMEC technology. Currently work to develop this technology in Cumbria is ongoing, initially for application in hydro settings and then moving on to the challenge of tidal application in the Solway.

Nigel has been a Board member of Britain's Energy Coast for the past three years.

Some related newsfeeds (speaker and topics):

is-nigel-catterson-the-greenest-man-in-cumbria

date-for-broughton-moor-rnad-site's-handover

Talk Site

The Wild Solway Centre

Lake District Coast Aquarium

Maryport

CA15 8AB

Talk Details

Date : Wednesday 11th January 2011

Time : 19:30 - 21:00

Talk Organiser

For more information please contact: David Williamson djw7@sellafieldsites.com

Tea and coffee available on arrival at 19:00

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