Menu
29/09/2008
ScottishPower Plan Includes Antrim Coast In Tidal Projects
ScottishPower Renewables today confirmed they are evaluating three separate coastal sites for the development of the world's largest tidal stream projects.
Two of the sites are being planned in Scotland, in the Pentland Firth and the Sound of Islay, with the third off the North Antrim coast.
ScottishPower expects planning applications to be submitted to the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Assembly in summer 2009.
Each site is being evaluated with a view of installing between 5 and 20 tidal turbines.
With each turbine having an installed capacity of IMW, this could lead to a combined output of 60MW – enough green energy for over 40,000 homes. Following planning approval, the projects could be operational by 2011.
All three projects are expected to deploy the Lànstrøm tidal turbine developed by Hammerfest Strøm AS, a company jointly owned by ScottishPower Renewables, StatoilHydro and Hammerfest Energi.
The device's name reflects the Norwegian and Scottish collaboration - being a combination of the Gaelic 'làn' meaning 'full' and the Norwegian 'strøm' meaning 'tide'.
Keith Anderson, Director of ScottishPower Renewables, 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.
"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 tidal resources in Europe with the Pentland Firth alone containing enough tidal energy to meet a third of Scotland's power requirements."
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said the focus is now on the opportunities to be found beyond the Scottish shoreline: "Caithness, and the waters churning off the nearby coast from the Pentland Firth to the islands of Orkney, stand as a powerful symbol of that renewable energy potential.
"Scotland has a marine energy resource which is unrivalled in Europe - we have an estimated 25% of Europe's tidal resource and 10% of its wave potential.
"That is why today's announcement from ScottishPower that they are to establish a new tidal energy company in Scotland is so significant. Hammerfest UK, has been established in Scotland with a view to maximising manufacturing and export opportunities here."
(GK/NS)
Two of the sites are being planned in Scotland, in the Pentland Firth and the Sound of Islay, with the third off the North Antrim coast.
ScottishPower expects planning applications to be submitted to the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Assembly in summer 2009.
Each site is being evaluated with a view of installing between 5 and 20 tidal turbines.
With each turbine having an installed capacity of IMW, this could lead to a combined output of 60MW – enough green energy for over 40,000 homes. Following planning approval, the projects could be operational by 2011.
All three projects are expected to deploy the Lànstrøm tidal turbine developed by Hammerfest Strøm AS, a company jointly owned by ScottishPower Renewables, StatoilHydro and Hammerfest Energi.
The device's name reflects the Norwegian and Scottish collaboration - being a combination of the Gaelic 'làn' meaning 'full' and the Norwegian 'strøm' meaning 'tide'.
Keith Anderson, Director of ScottishPower Renewables, 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.
"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 tidal resources in Europe with the Pentland Firth alone containing enough tidal energy to meet a third of Scotland's power requirements."
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said the focus is now on the opportunities to be found beyond the Scottish shoreline: "Caithness, and the waters churning off the nearby coast from the Pentland Firth to the islands of Orkney, stand as a powerful symbol of that renewable energy potential.
"Scotland has a marine energy resource which is unrivalled in Europe - we have an estimated 25% of Europe's tidal resource and 10% of its wave potential.
"That is why today's announcement from ScottishPower that they are to establish a new tidal energy company in Scotland is so significant. Hammerfest UK, has been established in Scotland with a view to maximising manufacturing and export opportunities here."
(GK/NS)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
28 February 2022
Further Tree Clearances In Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
The Department of Infrastructure has announced the that further essential tree clearances will continue today ahead of bird nesting season as part of the next phase of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Further Tree Clearances In Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
The Department of Infrastructure has announced the that further essential tree clearances will continue today ahead of bird nesting season as part of the next phase of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme.
12 October 2012
Go Ahead For Antrim Tidal Venture
Bord Gáis and its Irish tidal energy partner, OpenHydro were today awarded exclusive rights to develop a 100MW tidal energy farm off Torr Head on the north coast of Antrim. The project, potentially the first of its kind in the island of Ireland, is expected to be completed by the year 2020.
Go Ahead For Antrim Tidal Venture
Bord Gáis and its Irish tidal energy partner, OpenHydro were today awarded exclusive rights to develop a 100MW tidal energy farm off Torr Head on the north coast of Antrim. The project, potentially the first of its kind in the island of Ireland, is expected to be completed by the year 2020.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
16 September 2024
O'Dowd Welcomes Progress Of Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress in the ongoing development of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which aims to provide a long-term approach to tidal flood risk management for the city and help protect against the flood risk dangers presented by climate change.
O'Dowd Welcomes Progress Of Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress in the ongoing development of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which aims to provide a long-term approach to tidal flood risk management for the city and help protect against the flood risk dangers presented by climate change.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
