Two sites off Scotland and one off Northern Ireland are being looked at to house up to 60 underwater turbines generating 60 megawatts – enough to power 40, 000 homes. Blades would be ten metres below the surface to avoid ships. 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 company is expected to apply for planning permission next year. ScottishPower insists there is no threat to marine life, but the Marine Conservation Society said it would want to look closely at the proposals and see a rigorous environmental impact assessment. The announcement came as the Crown Office opened parts of the seabed for leasing to developers.
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 9th October 2008
Latest Posts
-
IEMA appoints two new Board Directors
- 28th March 2024 -
Impact Assessment Network Volunteers receive International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA) Regional Award
- 20th March 2024 -
IEMA launches digital campaign to share knowledge and inspire action in sustainability
- 6th March 2024 -
IEMA comments on 2023 being hottest year on record
- 9th January 2024 -
IEMA reacts to COP28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels
- 13th December 2023 -
New IEMA social sustainability steering group – express your interest in joining
- 24th November 2023