Power projects sought for firth

Projects in the Pentland Firth could generate 700MW of electricity

Marine power developers have been invited to submit outline proposals for projects to be run in the Pentland Firth and surrounding waters.

The area off the north Scottish mainland contains six of the top 10 sites in the UK for tidal energy.

The Crown Estate, which owns the seabed, made the firth the UK's first commercial marine power site in September.

The Crown hopes 700 megawatts (MW) will be generated from the firth by 2020.

Scottish Renewables, the green energy trade body, has previously said tidal, wave and offshore wind farms had the potential to generate 1,000 MW of electricity - enough for 570,000 homes - by the same date.

Conservation charity, WWF Scotland, described the invitation for projects as an "exciting step".

All forms of renewable energy are going to be important in reducing climate change emissions Dr Richard Dixon WWF Scotland director

The Crown Estate said it would look closely to see what local benefits each developer could incorporate into their scheme and all commercial development would be subject to a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

Rob Hastings, director of the marine estate, said: "In this country we are widely recognised as having both the technological lead and some of the best wave and tidal resources in the world.

"It is essential that this technology is given every opportunity to thrive here, in our waters, for the benefit of the environment, the energy industry, and the wider Scottish economy."

He added: "Working alongside a number of agencies, the Crown Estate is committed to playing a key role in generating investor confidence and supporting regeneration in communities in north Scotland."

The process of leasing the seabed to tidal projects will see full size demonstration devices deployed in small arrays.

The Crown Estate said larger scale development may require improvements to the National Grid, while full scale commercial development would almost certainly require significant investment in the Grid.

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland said: "This is a very exciting step.

"All forms of renewable energy are going to be important in reducing climate change emissions, but tidal energy is particularly important for Scotland because of the huge tidal energy in the Pentland Firth and our own strong skills in offshore engineering.

"The machines which will go into the water in the Pentland Firth have the potential to be exported all around the world creating jobs and income for Scotland."

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