Major plans for tidal energy farm

Monday, September 29, 2008

A major tidal energy project is being planned for waters off the coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Scottish Power has identified the Pentland Firth, Sound of Islay and Antrim coast to test sea turbines which could power thousands of homes.

It comes as Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond, visits the far north and the Crown Estate opens up the Pentland Firth seabed for leasing to developers.

Mr Salmond said the firth could be seen as the "Saudi Arabia of marine energy".

Scottish Power has been working on the Lanstrom device, which is said to be the world's most advanced tidal turbine.

The Scottish and Irish sites would host up to 60 of the turbines - 20 at each site - generating 60 megawatts of power for up to 40,000 homes.

The company is expected to apply for planning permission next year.

The device, similar to an underwater wind turbine, has been tested in a Norwegian fjord.

Scottish Power insists there is no threat to marine life, but the Marine Conservation Society said it would want to look closely at the proposals and see a rigorous environmental impact assessment.

The director of Scottish Power's renewable arm, Keith Anderson, said: "The rapid technological advancement of tidal power has enabled us to progress plans for this substantial project which has the real potential to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits."

Speaking ahead of his visit to Caithness, Mr Salmond said: "The potential of the Pentland Firth is quite staggering.

"Well known for centuries amongst mariners as a rough and foreboding sea, I believe that its awesome power will soon come to be seen across the world as the centrepiece of global efforts to take green energy from waves and tides.

"The Crown Estate will play a crucial part in enabling developers to take the next step and turn tested, reliable technology into the next wave of generating stations, pumping out electricity for homes and business.

"A strong marine renewables sector will drive further investment, cut emissions and give us a new contribution to sustainable economic growth."

Generating power from the sea could also be key to supporting the far north economy as jobs are reduced at Dounreay, a former nuclear power complex.

The first minister will join 150 delegates and representatives from about 20 marine energy developers at the Caithness Regeneration Conference.

'Working together'

Creating work in the area has become increasingly important because of the decommissioning of Dounreay.

The Thurso conference - taking place for the second time - will discuss progress on an action plan drawn up to steer the region through the effects of the plant's wind down and eventual closure.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Highland Council, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Scottish Government and local community are involved in the project.

Eann Sinclair, of Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership, said: "Proposals are under way for projects such as the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy project and the development of Scrabster and Wick Harbours, as well as the creation of new jobs in the engineering sector."

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