The world’s most powerful tidal turbine, which is due to begin testing in Orkney, has been hailed as a potential “game changer” by Business, Innovation and Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse. It is longer than the Scott Monument in Edinburgh and is currently undergoing final commissioning checks in advance of being connected to its mooring system on the European Marine Energy Centre’s (EMEC) test site in Orkney.
“Scotland’s capacity to generate tidal power is considerable and this device has the potential to be a real game changer for the industry, not only here in Scotland, but across the world” said Mr Wheelhouse. “Floating technology like this is likely to be easy and cheap to install, maintain and decommission. This will increase the commercial viability of tidal energy, which is crucial as we continue to transition towards a low carbon economy. It is encouraging that Scottish Government investment has helped move the project to this point. I congratulate Scotrenewables on reaching this significant milestone and look forward to staying up to date on the testing programme.”
Andrew Scott, CEO of Scotrenewables, added that the Scottish Government have been consistent in their vision and support for the marine renewables sector and that has been vital in getting a second generation technology to this stage.
The project has been supported by Scottish Enterprise’s WATERS II scheme along with investments from Scotrenewables’ shareholders which include ABB, DP Energy, Fred. Olsen, Total and Scottish Government via the Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIF).
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