Abstract
This report presents first principle calculations and a basic assessment of the proposed micro tidal lagoon along with other alternative suggestions for renewable energy at Thorne Island, Pembrokeshire. Thorne Island is situated approximately 250-300m off the headland at Angle, on the South side of the Milford Haven Estuary. The tidal range at Thorne Island varies typically between 6m during a spring tide and 3m during a neap tide. The cave on the North-East side of the island has an enclosed area of approximately 260m2 and a narrow opening, approximately 2.6m across.
A micro-tidal lagoon would be a novel project and potentially beneficial in promoting tidal range energy in Wales and in the UK. The lagoon would reliably produce a very small amount of energy that would be beneficial in powering some essentials when solar and wind are not available. However, it would also not be sufficient as a stand-alone source of electrical energy to the Island. Due to the size of the cave, the amount of energy that this lagoon is capable of producing is limited and would therefore not be a cost-effective way of generating electricity when compared to solar or wind. Through other funding sources available under the MEECE project, it may be possible to conduct a feasibility study into one of the three projects identified: small floating wind, tidal stream or floating PV. The most effective solution would be to increase significantly the installed solar panels on the island