Scottish renewable-energy company Nautricity has been given the go-ahead to develop one of the UK’s first next generation tidal schemes in waters off the Mull of Kintyre.
Marine Scotland has given consent for the deployment of the first Contra Rotating Marine Turbine (CoRMaT) device, which is said to be capable of generating enough electricity to supply 400 homes.
In addition, Argyll and Bute Council has approved the construction of an onshore sub-station that will connect the array to the National Grid.
Glasgow-based Nautricity is only the fourth firm to be granted full permission to deploy tidal devices in Scottish waters, having already received consent from the Crown Estate and network operator SSE.
Work on the onshore connection is expected to start later this year, with the devices being deployed in the water in early 2015.
Nautricity co-founder and chief executive Cameron Johnstone said: “We are delighted to be in at the very start of commercial tidal-energy generation in the UK.
“Receiving full consent for this project is a great vote of confidence in our technology and our site development capabilities.”
The turbines will be completely submerged and not visible from shore, and they are not expected to have any adverse impact on the environment.
Recommended for you
