Offshore power generator proposed for Lynmouth

An energy company hopes to produce electricity for the national grid from the sea bed off north Devon from 2014.

Pulse Tidal is proposing a £7m development about 3km (1.9 miles) offshore from Lynmouth which would use underwater blades to take advantage of tides in the Bristol Channel.

Each device placed could produce enough power for about 1,000 homes, the Sheffield-based company said.

The proposals still have to go through the full planning process.

The South West of England was designated as a marine energy park in April by the government, linking university researchers and private companies.

Pulse Tidal's chief executive, Bob Smith, said a number of devices would form the submerged system and would employ horizontal blades which would be moved up and down by tides to drive a generator.

He added: "It removes any environmental impacts on land, and still generates power."

The scheme has also been backed by Regen SW, the regional renewable energy umbrella organisation.

Johnny Gowdy, from Regen SW, said meetings had been held with North Devon District Council and Exmoor National Park Authority, which would both be involved in the planning process, and had been "very positive".

The council and the park authority said any planning decisions were made in accordance with local development plans.