Tidal energy farm plans unveiled
Published: Monday, 29 September 2008, 10:27AM
The world's largest tidal-powered energy farm could be built off the coast of Britain.
Three sites - two off Scotland and one off the coast of Northern Ireland - are being looked at as possible locations.
The energy farm would feature up to 60 underwater turbines which could generate 60 mega watts of power for 40,000 homes.
ScottishPower, the energy firm behind the plans, said the technology could make Scotland the global leader in the field.
Director of the firm's renewable arm Keith Anderson said: "This is a historic day for the development of marine energy.
"The rapid technological advancement of tidal power has enabled us to progress plans for this substantial project which has the real potential to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits."
The announcement came as the Crown Office opened parts of the seabed for leasing to developers.
The tide-turbines are expected to be weighed to the floor of the sea in the Pentland Firth between the Scottish mainland and Orkney, in the Sound of Islay and off the coast of Country Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The structures stand 30 metres tall on three legs and can work as deep as 100 metres below sea level with the ability to turn to harness tide movements.
The 20-metre blades would turn at least ten metres below the surface to avoid shipping, developers said.
Mr Anderson said: "Tidal power is completely renewable, being driven by the gravity of the sun and moon, with no carbon dioxide emissions, whilst being entirely predictable in nature.
"Scotland has the best resources in Europe with the Pentland Firth alone containing enough tidal energy to meet a third of Scotland's power requirements."
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