ECOFACT has considerable skills that can be used in the assessment of tidal energy schemes...
Tidal power, or tidal energy, is a form of hydropower that uses the energy of tides for the purposes of electricity generation.
Tides are more predictable than other renewable energy forms, such as wind energy and solar power, and this emerging renewable energy area has significant potential. Recent technological developments and improvements, both in design and turbine technology, indicate that the total availability of tidal power may be much higher than previously assumed.
It is also clear that economic and environmental costs may be brought down to competitive levels. Projects being proposed at present include the Severn Barrage. The Shannon Estuary also has considerable tidal energy potential.
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As this industry emerges, we will be available to undertake Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Article 6 Appropriate Assessments for sites located within designated Natura 2000 conservation sites. We are particularly well placed to provide specialist assessments of fish (including Atlantic salmon, smelt, lampreys, and European eel), estuarine habitats and wading birds.
If you would like to discuss any potential tidal energy project, please contact us.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published new guidance in January 2019 for bats surveys at wind farm sites. These new guidelines are entitled “Bats and onshore wind turbines – survey, assessment and mitigation”. The document incorporates findings from the latest research on the impact of wind farms on bats. It is endorsed by all the statutory […]
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We are one of the leading companies in Ireland providing mammal surveys and assessments. We provide expert advise on both bats and terrestrial non-volant (i.e. non-flying) mammals. We undertake surveys for all terrestrial non-volant mammal species in Ireland, including Badger, Otter, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten, and non-native American Mink, among others. Our staff are fully […]
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We were delighted to work recently with BBC Earth on a documentary on Sea Lampreys Petromyzon marinus. The filming took place during early-June 2017 on the old River Shannon at Castleconnell, Co Limerick. This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation, and Sea Lampreys are a key conservation interest of this […]
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A major new book will be published in May 2017 entitled ‘Wildlife and Wind Farms: Conflicts and Solutions’. Volume 1 of this book includes a chapter prepared by Ecofact Principal Ecologist Dr. William O’Connor. The two-volume set provides a comprehensive overview of the interactions between wind farms and wildlife, each volume dedicated to one of the two […]
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Our staff are currently undertaking a number of wintering bird surveys in the Irish Midlands. Here we have provided some photos and videos from bird surveys we undertook during December 2015. Our bird surveys are undertaken to inform both the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) reports being prepared for proposed wind energy […]
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