As the United Kingdom is surrounded by water, the officials there could use tidal and wave power to harness clean energy that will replace fossil fuels in the future. Although there is plenty of water, you can’t deploy tidal turbines anywhere, however, Scottish Power found the the perfect waters off the coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

There are three places where harnessing tidal energy seems favorable - Pentland Firth, Sound of Islay and Antrim. According to Alex Salmod, Scotland’s First Minister, Pentland Firth is “the Saudi Arabia of marine energy.” A major project could become operational by 2020 if the results of the tidal turbines are convincing.

The Scotland and the Northern Ireland would deploy 20 turbines at each site meaning 60 tidal turbines for each
country that would generate 60 megawatts of electricity which is enough to power 40,000 homes.

“Our seas alone could provide 25% of Europe’s tidal power and 10% of wave power. The vast potential of the Pentland Firth will mean more investment, more jobs and more opportunities for the Caithness area,” said Mr. Salmond.

In order to makes this a reality, Scottish Power will use the Lanstrom device, considered world’s most advanced tidal turbine which was tested in a Norwegian fjord. The company states that the tidal turbine doesn’t pose any threat to the marine wildlife, however, they will have to convince the Marine Conservation Society of the turbine’s safety.

via BBC