News / Tidal turbine contract
WORK should soon start on building the world’s first community-owned tidal generator to be deployed in Bluemull Sound in Shetland.
Scottish first minister Alex Salmond announced on Thursday a contract had been signed between Edinburgh-based fabricator Nova Innovation and the Steel Engineering factory in Renfrew during a visit to the town.
The turbine is being built for the North Yell Development Council, which has raised £168,000 for the project from Community Energy Scotland, Shetland Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Power from the turbine will be fed into the electricity grid, but used by RS Henderson’s ice making plant on the Cullivoe industrial estate.
Lerwick firm Shetland Composites has helped with the manufacture of the Nova-30 turbine.
Nova director Simon Forrest said the contract was an important milestone that would accelerate the growth of his business and “significantly advance marine energy in Scotland.”
He said: “We see significant potential for tidal arrays for other communities across Scotland and look forward to working with Steel Engineering on this and future marine renewable projects.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
