Shetland Tidal Array project exports power for the first time

The first of three 100kW turbines at the Shetland Tidal Array project is now exporting power to the Shetland grid, according to developers Nova Innovation and ELSA.

ELSA’s managing director, Olivier Bontems, said the firm had become involved in the project because of its confidence in the Scottish tidal industry and the generation of clean energy to enable economic growth.

The firm’s fourth and fifth turbines are expected to be deployed by 2018.

Energy minister Fergus Ewing welcomed the news, saying: “This is a result of a lot of hard work and support from all involved including the Scottish Government’s enterprise agency, Scottish Enterprise and the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.”

Lindsay Roberts, senior policy manager at Scottish Renewables, said: "Nova Innovation’s success in Shetland shows not only that Scotland’s marine energy industry is one of the most technologically advanced in the world, but that the resource available off our shores is deserving of the tireless research which has been carried out over many decades to capture the power of the sea.”

Simon Forrest, managing director of Nova Innovation, said tidal energy has the potential to provide nearly eight per cent of European electricity demand.

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “With some of the most powerful tides in Europe, Scotland is well placed to lead in developing this promising technology, which will help to cut climate emissions and create skilled, green jobs.

“Our islands have an abundance of renewable resources which could bring multiple economic and social benefits to remote and rural communities. However, if we are to secure these benefits we need each of the political parties to prioritise renewables and commit to ensuring Scotland becomes the EU's first fully renewable electricity nation by 2030.”