Go-ahead for biggest tidal power scheme in Europe

Pentland Firth project could generate electricity for 42,000 homes

Work is about to begin on the biggest tidal power project in Europe — in the Pentland Firth – after Scottish ministers awarded consent for the first phase yesterday.

Developer MeyGen can now press ahead with its proposals to build a demonstration project of up to six turbines in the waters between Orkney and the far north mainland.

The huge project – which has the potential to provide power to 42,000 homes – is one of a number of largescale renewable energy schemes planned for the sea of f of the north Highland coast.

Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd ( Morl) and Beatrice Offshore Windfarm are also seeking permission to erect more than 600 wind turbines in the Moray Firth.

Yesterday, EnergyMinister Fergus Ewing said: “We have granted consent to MeyGen Ltd to develop the largest tidal turbine array in Europe and the first commercial project off these shores.

“This is a major step forward for Scotland’s marine renewable energy industry.

When fully operational, the 86- megawatt array could generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of42,000homes – around 40% of homes in the Highlands.

“This exciting development in the waters around Orkney is just the first phase for a site that could eventually yield up 398 megawatts.”

The Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MSP was speaking in advance of the twoday Scottish Renewables Marine Conference, which opens in Inverness tomorrow.

Mr Ewing also revealed that Scottish wave-energy firms Aquamarine Power Limited and Pelamis Wave Power are to share a slice of a £13million support programme, part of the Scottish Government’s Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund.

Mr Ewing said the tide was turning for the waveenergy sector, thanks to its ability to help tackle climate change.

“We need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels through better and more efficient uses of energy,” he added.

“Marine energy – a home grown technology with huge potential – is part of the solution.

“With careful planning we can harness Scotland’s hugewave and tidal energy to help cut our climate emissions, while safeguarding the nation’s tremendous marine environment.”

Director of environmental charity WWF Scotland Lang Banks hailed the announcement as a “major boost” for the Scottish marine renewable industry.

GREEN FOR GO: A generating device being prepared for testing at Hatston Pier in Kirkwall, Orkney