A THIRD bid is being prepared for government cash to make tidal electricity generation off the Island a reality.
Applications by the Isle of Wight Council have been turned down twice. Now it is putting the finishing touches to a fresh attempt, to be submitted later this month.
It will know the result by September and is still trying to attract private investors. The economy and environment scrutiny panel heard officers were asking civil servants why the two previous bids were turned down, so the final bid could be honed.
Cllr George Brown, who is cabinet member for the economy, told the meeting there was disappointment at previous failure of the government to support the Island’s sustainable project, when other, less deprived areas gained approval.
"Refusal was nothing to do with the quality of the bid — which was high," he said.
The council is continuing to negotiate with the Crown Estate to lease an area of seabed to establish the tidal generator in partnership with investors and Southampton University.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk