RenewableUK today welcomed new research published by Oxford University, which highlights the huge potential of tidal power in the Pentland Firth. The report says that tidal turbines in the currents between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands could generate up to 1.9 Gigawatts of power.
The report is an extensive piece of research and calculates that the Pentland Firth is one of the best tidal energy sites in Europe. When other sites in Scottish waters are taken in to account, this points to the real possibility of marine energy playing a serious part in the energy future of both Scotland and the UK.
David Krohn, Wind and Tidal Energy Development Manager :
“Scotland’s potential for developing tidal power is amongst the highest in the world. While the Pentland Firth is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown, Scotland’s large coastline and archipelagos contain a number of significant sites. Kyle Rhea and Islay are currently under development and have received upfront capital support from the UK Government and the European commission respectively. The Crown Estate has granted leases for a further 14 sites across Scotland, including the extremely promising Cantick Head, Brough Ness and Lashy Sound sites. In addition, technological advancements made by the industry, such as floating platforms, allow us to extract more energy from tidal flows.
“The development of the world leading tidal energy industry in Scotland has been partly down to the consistent support it has received from the Scottish Government. This support has been based on the fact that a sizeable proportion of Scotland’s energy requirements can be sourced from the tides but also on the recognition that Scotland, and the UK more widely, can capitalise on the significant global opportunity by supplying skills, goods and services to tidal energy projects in other parts of the world”.
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Press release, July 10, 2013; Image: Shandchem