Scottish government announces tidal energy project

A tidal energy development, expected to be the largest in the world, is to be built off the coast of Scotland.

The Scottish government announced today that 10 underwater turbines will be installed in the Sound of Islay, which runs between the islands of Islay and Jura, off the country’s west coast. They will be capable of producing 10 megawatts of electricity, enough to satisfy the needs of 5,000 homes.    

The £40million project is being undertaken by ScottishPower Renewables, and according to John Swinney, the government’s cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth, it will bring numerous benefits to the country.

ScottishPower Renewables is to work with communities on Islay and Jura to maximise social and economic opportunities presented by the scheme, including new local jobs. 

Mr Swinney said: "With around a quarter of Europe's potential tidal energy resource and a tenth of the wave capacity, Scotland's seas have unrivalled potential to generate green energy, create new, low carbon jobs, and bring billions of pounds of investment to Scotland.

"This development - the largest tidal array in the world - does just that and will be a milestone in the global development of tidal energy."

Homeowners across Scotland are being urged to take energy efficiency measures. The government aims to source 80 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.