The Scottish government has granted a marine license to Irish developer DP Energy’s up to 30-turbine West Islay Tidal Energy Park.
The up to 30MW development will be located approximately 6 km off the south-west coast of Islay.
The Scottish government energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Scotland is home to the world’s leading wave and tidal test centre, the world’s largest planned tidal stream array and the world’s largest tidal turbine.
“The West Islay Tidal Energy Park builds upon this strong foundation.”
DP Energy said the project will power almost 18,000 homes and create up to 32 full time jobs.
Scottish Renewables senior policy manager Lindsay Roberts said: “This announcement shows the continued ambition of this young sector as well as underlining the local employment and economic benefits which renewable energy can bring to some of our country’s most remote areas.”
Image: SXC
