Bristol, England-based Marine Current Turbines said today it's moving forward with its Northern Ireland project, announcing plans to install a turbine in Strangford Lough at the end of March.

The company is also teaming up with Innogy, a unit of Germany's RWE (OTC: RWEOY), for a power plant off the coast of north Wales.

The 1.2 megawatt Northern Ireland project was scheduled for installation last August, but was pushed back because of delays with the installation vessel.

"We have carried out extensive engineering and environmental studies to ensure the very best means of installation and operation," said Martin Wright, managing director of Marine Current Turbines.

"As long as the weather is good and there are no last minute operational issues to contend with, we should have SeaGen deployed by the end of March."

Marine Current Turbines said its SeaGen tidal system would generate enough electricity for 1,000 homes when connected to the local grid.

"Looking ahead, MCT intends to manufacture and deploy a series of SeaGen devices in projects off Anglesey and on the Canadian seaboard within the next 2 to 4 years," said Wright.

Under the company's deal with Innogy, the two plan to jointly develop a 10.5 MW sea current power plant off the Welsh coast.

RWE said the venture, called SeaGen Wales, would file for approval in mid-2009, with operations starting in 2011 or 2012.