The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Tidal turbine sparking hope with performance
Renewables: Floating device generated power for 830 houses in one year
A tidal turbine off Orkney has generated more power in the past year than the entire Scottish marine energy sector managed in the 12 years prior to its launch.
Scotrenewables Tidal Power said its SR2000 device, launched in 2016, had clocked up three gigawatt hours (GWhs) of electricity in its first year
“Paves way for marine energy to become mainstream”
of testing at the European Marine Energy Centre.
It has survived harsh winter storms to supply the equivalent annual electricity demand of about 830 UK households. At times, it has covered more than a quarter of Orkney’s electricity demand.
Scotrenewables chief executive Andrew Scott said: “The SR2000’s phenomenal performance has set a new benchmark for the tidal industry.
“Despite being a research and development, and it being our first full-scale turbine, its first year of testing has delivered a performance level approaching that of widely deployed mature renewable technologies.”
With support from the EU’s Horizon 2020 scheme, Scotrenewables is planning to build a two-megawatt commercial production unit later in the year which will also go to Orkney for testing before the company targets sales of the turbine.
Hannah Smith, senior policy manager at trade body Scottish Renewables, said: “This milestone for the tidal energy industry truly demonstrates the untapped potential of this emerging sector.
“This remarkable achievement paves the way for marine energy to become a mainstream part of Scotland’s energy mix, while cutting carbon, and delivering jobs and investment to our remote communities.” oatcake maker Stockan’s, of Stromness, in Orkney, took the award for best Scottish food manufacturer.
TPS Fruit and Veg, based at Forglen, near Turriff, was victorious in the fresh fruit provider of the year category.
Thaikhun restaurant, in Aberdeen’s Union Square, was crowned best oriental establishment.
A spokesman for the awards said: “These awards aimed to thank those that work hard in the Scottish food industry and contribute to making Scotland a great place to visit.”
Other north and north-east winners included The Quayside Restaurant and Fish Bar, in Gourdon, The Pigs Wings, in Aberdeen, and The Stables Restaurant & Grill, in Fort William.
“Making Scotland a great place to visit”