Notice

Criteria for a well-developed tidal range proposal

Published 19 December 2023

These are the thematic criteria to be used in developing proposals for tidal range projects, and a list of the evidence required for each.

Demonstration of energy system benefits

1. Analysis of expected generation profile and assessment of the likely impacts on the wider energy system, including any effect on electricity system balancing costs, transmission costs, system inertia and security of supply.

2. Technical characteristics of the types of turbines likely to be used.

3. Detailed assessment of the whole-life carbon impacts of the project.

Demonstration of credible environmental impact mitigation strategy

1. Evaluation of potential flood impacts throughout the lifecycle of the project. (Impacts should be quantified in absolute terms, and also expressed in terms of impacts on standards of protection and life of existing defences, so as to enable third parties to make judgements on the significance of the impacts).

2. An environmental scoping and impact report to include the following:

a. A description of the proposed development, including the physical characteristics, land use requirements and build materials.
b. A specification of the site selection criteria and the main alternatives considered, taking into consideration the potential environmental impacts.
c. Realistic modelling of potential environmental impacts, including detailed assessment of likely impacts on fish populations; habitats and fisheries; birds; and water quality.
d. Assessment of the above impacts, as well as impacts on wider fauna and flora, air (during construction and operation), water, soil (through potential pollutants deposited in water or on land as part of the construction and operation processes), climate, heritage, landscape, and any interrelationship between these receptors.
e. Assessment of any pertinent indirect, secondary, and/or cumulative impacts

3. In light of the above, detailed plans on how environmental impacts will be avoided, reduced, mitigated and if required, compensated, including a statement of approach to a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain which will be mandated for all Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects from 2025.

4. Evidence of extensive environmental stakeholder engagement, ideally including letters of support from relevant stakeholders.

Demonstration of value for money

1. Funding strategy including specific information on expected sources of debt and/or equity during the design, construction and operation phases, including investor commitments.

2. Project financial model on an open book basis in sufficient detail in order to test all relevant assumptions.

3. Supply chain management strategy including critical path analysis and information on how inputs have been cost benefit evaluated and will be secured throughout project life. This should include a construction plan describing in detail the necessary programme of works, associated risks, and timeline for their completion.

4. End of asset life strategy, including rationale for leaving infrastructure in situ or plans for decommissioning including any MoUs with the Crown Estate that may be required. Where applicable to include statement of options for repowering.

5. Evidence that relevant data can be made available to enable a value for money assessment to be undertaken, according to the relevant value for money framework.

Demonstration of socio-economic impacts and benefits

1. Substantiation of the project’s claimed Gross Value Added (GVA), including a statement of expected capital and operational spend in the UK, and net and gross job creation projections.

2. A cost-benefit report to include:

a. Analysis of impacts on relevant local industries (such as commercial and recreational fisheries; aggregates).
b. Analysis of impacts on ports and navigation.
c. Plans for any mitigation or compensation required in light of the above

3. Evidence of extensive stakeholder engagement (including with local communities and any affected industries). Letters of support from relevant stakeholders should ideally be included.

4. Evidence and accounting of any additional benefits, including for example, coastal erosion protection, flood defence, recreation, tourism and broader community benefits.