World’s largest tidal array gets go-ahead for Scotland 22 August 2014

The world's biggest tidal array will be built in the Pentland Firth region of Scotland, according to an announcement from DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) today.

The UK government has provided £10 million worth of grant funding to the Meygen project, which will deliver enough electricity to power 175,000 homes and provide up to 100 jobs. Other funders include the Scottish Government, and The Crown Estate.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey hopes this £51m scheme could lead to further similar energy-generating plant in the Pentland Firth, providing clean, sustainable and secure energy for decades to come.

"This innovative and exciting project puts Scotland and the UK on the map as a global leader in marine technology – meaning jobs, better energy security and the potential to export this technology to the world," states Davey.

"The project also shows what can be done when the UK and Scottish governments work together to provide a lasting benefit for the people of Scotland," he continues.

"Wave and tidal power have the potential to provide more than 20% of the UK's electricity needs, and Meygen could pave the way for future projects in the Pentland Firth."

The money comes from the Marine Energy Array Demonstrator (MEAD) scheme, part of £185 million the government is investing in low-carbon technologies.

Davey says the Meygen project forms part of the £100 billion of private sector investment the UK government aims to attract in new cleaner electricity infrastructure by 2020.

Brian Tinham

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