This clean energy project is said to be the first of its kind in the world

May 21, 2014 07:06 GMT  ·  By
Scotland installs community-owned tidal power turbine, further improves on its ecological footprint
   Scotland installs community-owned tidal power turbine, further improves on its ecological footprint

The waters of the Bluemull Sound in Scotland are now home to a tidal power turbine that has recently gone online and that is expected to cough out enough clean energy to meet the demand of 30 homes, an ice plant, and the Cullivoe Harbour Industrial Estate.

Information shared with the public says that the turbine is located at some 100 feet (approximately 30.5 meters) below the surface, and that it rests on the seabed.

According to Click Green, the turbine harvests the energy potential of moving water with the help of a propeller that spins when the tide flows past it and that drives a generator.

Its energy generating capacity is one of 30KW, and whatever electricity the turbine produces is sent to the 30 homes, the ice plant, and the Cullivoe Harbour Industrial Estate by means of an underwater cable.

Given the fact that Scotland has taken quite a liking to tidal and wave power in recent years, some might be surprised that the installation of just one underwater turbine in the Bluemull Sound is now making headlines.

Still, there is one very good reason why this should be so. Thus, this tidal power turbine is the first community-owned clean energy generating system of its kind to have until now become operational anywhere in the world.

“This is a tremendous moment for North Yell. For the first time anywhere in the world, electricity is being generated from a community owned tidal turbine,” said Shetland Islands Council Councilor and Chairman of North Yell Development Council, Robert Henderson.

“For the first time, anywhere in the world, a community owned tidal turbine is generating electricity. It will have a positive impact on the North Yell community and economy,” added Scottish Government’s Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.

This clean energy project in Bluemull Sound was implemented with the help of funding provided by the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), the Shetland Islands Council, and the North Yell Development Council.

Given the urgency to limit climate change and global warming by phasing out fossil fuels and investing in renewables, it is no wonder that several environmental groups were quite happy to hear that the world's first community-owned tidal power turbine is now up and running in Scotland.

“It’s great to see yet another first for Scottish tidal power. With some of the most powerful tides in Europe, Scotland is well placed to lead in developing this promising technology, which will help to cut climate emissions and create skilled, green jobs,” Gina Hanrahan with the World Wildlife Fund said in a statement.