14 DAY TRIAL // A brand new tidal-powered electrical plant is to be built underwater, at designated locations near the northern coasts of Ireland and Scotland, namely at Antrim Coast, Pentland Firth and the Sound of Islay. There, a new class of underwater turbines will be tested by ScottishPower, in an attempt to create a sustainable source of alternative energy for thousands of homes in the surrounding area.
Underwater turbines have come a long way since they were first created, as proven by the technical specs this new generation of propellers will have. The features include resistance to depth of up to 100 meters (335 feet) and blade spans of up to 20 meters (65 feet). The entire underground structure will total a height of about 30 meters (100 feet). The reason the new turbines were designed to stand such depths is manly because deep currents are stronger, but also to prevent any maritime accidents that might occur when large ships pass over the propeller blades.
According to the company, the plans include building approximately 60 such devices in three locations. The goal is to supply all the electrical energy required for over 40,000 homes. To that end, ScottishPower is expected to apply for its planning permit sometime next spring. Renewable energy has been a priority to the company for a long time and the possibility of having available space to build such a massive construction would surely entail massive investments and profits.
Ecologists expressed some concerns about the safety of the marine wildlife in the area. They say that fish and plants could become entangled in the blades, meeting their demise in the process. Such an accident could also damage the turbines themselves, especially considering the large number of marine species that are carried around with the same underwater currents that the turbines are to use. Keith Anderson, a company representative, said that the presence of the plant in the area would mean that all trawling would be banned and, as a result, the endangered species in the area could hope to recover.
The Scottish company argues that extensive, experimental studies carried out in a Norwegian fjord proved that the Lanstrom turbines had no adverse effects on the ecosystem around them. However, the Marine Conservation Society said it would continue testing the device on its own, to ensure the safety of the wildlife and plant species living in the designated areas.