Scotland set to rule the energy waves
A multi-billion-pound plan to harness the power of the sea off Scotland's north coast has been heralded as the most ambitious and significant marine energy project anywhere in the world.
- By Dave Lord
- Published in the Courier : 17.03.10
- Published online : 17.03.10 @ 11.11am
It was also claimed the proposals proved beyond doubt the need for the controversial Beauly to Denny power line.
Historic agreements were signed to develop a total of six wave and four tidal schemes in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters.
The schemes could power 700,000 homes and generate 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of wave and tidal electricity by 2020.
First Minister Alex Salmond insists the scheme puts Scotland at the forefront of worldwide efforts to tackle climate change.
"This marks a major milestone in the global journey toward a low carbon future," he said. "The commercial-scale deployment of marine renewables will power our economies and help safeguard the planet for generations to come.
"These waters have been described as the Saudi Arabia of marine power and the wave and tidal projects unveiled-- exceeding the initial 700MW target capacity-- underline the rich natural resources of the waters of Scotland."
He said the proposals will be a boost to the local economy.
"Leading international energy companies and innovators continue to be drawn to Scottish waters, which boast as much as a quarter of Europe's tidal and offshore wind resource and a 10th of the continent's potential wave capacity," he said.
"Together with some 11GW of planned offshore wind developments, these latest marine renewables projects show that Scotland is powering ahead in the development and deployment of clean, green energy."
The Crown Estate, owners of the UK's sea bed, and the Scottish Government joined forces to invite bids for what represents the world's first commercial wave and tidal leasing scheme.
"We want to ensure that communities such as those in Caithness and Orkney are well-placed to reap the benefits and secure Scotland's position as the green energy powerhouse of Europe," Mr Salmond added.
Roger Bright, chief executive of the Crown Estate, agreed yesterday's announcement represented a major milestone with global significance.
"The 1.2GW of marine renewable generation capacity represents four times the electricity of Dounreay power station in its heyday," he remarked.
"This shows the world that marine energy can produce significant electrical power and offer a real alternative to conventional power production.
Perthshire-based WWF Scotland welcomed the development.
Director Dr Richard Dixon said, "Wave and tidal power represent an energy and jobs bonanza for Scotland.
"There is a massive amount of power in the seas around Scotland, and we are currently the world leaders in developing the technologies to turn that potential into clean, green electricity.
"This announcement is a further step forward in making wave and tidal power a huge industry for Scotland, and should give investors the strong signal they need that Scotland is the place to be for marine energy."
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