Seven innovative energy projects in Scotland

WAVE TURBINES

A highly efficient wave-energy turbine is being trialled in Orkney’s waters. The 72m-long O2 turbine lies in the Fall of Warness, off Eday. The O2 may enable a 35% improvement in yield compared to other wave-energy generators.

HYDROGEN

A project, Surf ’n’ Turf, is using surplus electricity generated from wind and tidal energy to split water molecules to generate hydrogen gas. The energy is used to power a school and some functions of the Orkney Ferries fleet.

BIOMASS

Proposals for a large-scale renewable energy park near Peterhead in north-east Scotland include biomass and anaerobic digestion facilities. The scheme would deliver 150–200 MW of green energy to the Scottish grid.

ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT

Kirkwall Airport in Orkney is being developed as the UK’s first low-carbon aviation test centre. The airline Loganair is looking to use electricity on its Britten–Norman Islander aircraft, which ply the interisland network around Orkney.

SOLAR ENERGY

A community-owned project Arran Renewables has been established to invest in low-carbon projects that also provide an income via share offers for the island of Arran. This includes a promotion of solar-panel installation.

ELECTRIC CHARGING

The UK’s first electric-vehicle charging point producing energy through tidal power has been installed in Shetland. Developed by Nova Innovation, the charger is located at Cullivoe Harbour on the east coast of Yell.

GREEN WHISKY

Underwater turbines are to be installed off Jura and Islay as part of a tidal project. The devices will generate 3 MW of green electricity through the Òran na Mara project, which will be used to power local whisky distilleries.