Ballycastle ‘should be tidal energy centre of excellence’

BALLYCASTLE councillor Dónal Cunningham (SDLP) has welcomed the suggestions coming from the tidal energy industry that Ballycastle could become a centre of excellence for manufacture and design testing.

He said: “I recently attended a Renewable Energy seminar and two major companies expressed a desire to further develop a research centre which would provide support for the emerging tidal energy sector.

“Such a centre would encourage growth and build strong links with the local business community. Ballycastle would be an ideal location for such a research centre especially with two tidal energy projects on our doorstep. A research centre would link in well with both universities.”

Councillor Cunningham added: “Harnessing the energy of wave and tidal currents to generate electricity is less risky and more predictable than wind or solar power and advanced technology to make marine energy a widespread reality is making strong gains. Ballycastle can be at the heart of this technology.

“Tidal, Marine and hydrokinetic power systems offer one of the most promising areas for renewable energy development the technology is improving rapidly.”

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