Bidders who have reached “provisional preferred bidder” status are now able to speak to third parties in order to enable them to progress their projects and scoping activities related to those projects. This will ensure that the overall program to enable the installation of at least 700MW of wave and tidal capacity by 2020, potentially providing enough power for more than 500,000 homes, continues to remain on target.

Earlier in 2009, it was announced that 42 bids have been received for the wave and tidal programme in the Pentland Firth area.

Shortly, the successful bidders will start their detailed work program to implement their plans and further announcements are planned as the commercial negotiations are concluded.