The Crown Estate has announced that four companies have pre-qualified to submit tenders for new wave and tidal stream energy projects, each up to 30 MW capacity. The Estate has also invited bids for three commercial demonstration projects, each up to 10 MW.

The announcement follows the launch of a new leasing competition on 22 September 2010, the first application window for which opened on 11 October 2010. Interested parties made expressions of interest and submitted pre-qualification questionnaires. Next steps are for pre-qualified bidders to submit tenders, and following tender assessment, undertake interviews and commercial negotiations. Agreements for lease could be awarded as early as March 2011.

The potential projects are in UK territorial waters, with an emphasis on Scottish sites. The Crown Estate owns the UK seabed out to the 12 nautical mile territorial limit and around half of the foreshore. Interest was expressed by a range of organisations, including technology developers, project developers and others. Key criteria for pre-qualification included commitment to health and safety and financial strength. Companies will have a further opportunity to express interest in April 2011, at the start of the second application window.

Rob Hastings, director of the marine estate at The Crown Estate said:

“We are delighted that the new competition framework for wave and tidal leasing has been well received by the industry and received numerous expressions of interest. We look forward to receiving tenders for the projects and are continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government and other organisations to help the emerging industry develop.