An area off the coast of Scotland has been selected for what could be the “world’s first” offshore power station, it was announced yesterday.
The strong tide and sheltered location at Kyle Rhea, the narrow straits between Skye and the Scottish mainland, meant it was chosen for the system.
Sheffield-based company Pulse Tidal has started a year-long environmental study ahead of an application to Marine Scotland for a licence to start producing the first 1.2MW of renewable electricity in 2012. The device will produce enough electricity to power about 900 homes.
The power produced could be increased to 9.6MW by stringing eight devices together, if a licence and planning permission is granted.
The company has to apply for planning permission from Highland Council to build its first commercial generator at the site.
Tidal streams move horizontal blades up and down to drive the generator in the system which sits on the seabed totally submerged.
Pulse chief executive Bob Smith said: “If tidal energy is to play a major part in the renewables sector then the technology has to deliver low-cost electricity. Pulse has developed a system that has minimal installation and maintenance costs because it works close to shore.
“It is also completely below water with minimal environmental impact. Scotland is keen to be the world leader in renewable energy, so we are excited about working there.” He added: “However, we are still in the early stages of our plan and we are listening carefully to the views of all concerned parties, locally and nationally. We are taking each step very carefully.”
Pulse successfully tested a trial device in the Humber estuary and the company has received a £6.8million EU grant to develop its first commercial generator.
Pulse commercial director Howard Nimmo said: “In these shallow waters our technology can generate 1.2MW from a single device, while other technologies would generate considerably less. Kyle Rhea is also sheltered, making maintenance easier. The power will come ashore via a cable to an electricity sub-station and then into the National Grid.
“The site has the potential to become the world’s first offshore power station. We are taking the first step towards that with our plans to instal our device there.”
The company is also investigating various other UK and international sites for additional commercial generators.
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