Electric vehicle charger powered by tidal energy switches on in Yell
AN ELECTRIC vehicle charging point which is powered by tidal energy has been launched in Yell.
It is thought to be the first time a charge point has been fuelled in this way in the world.
The charging point is located at Cullivoe Harbour, and it is been put in place by tidal energy company Nova Innovation. Planning permission was applied for back in 2019.
Nova operates an array of tidal turbines in Bluemull Sound.
CEO Simon Forrest said: “Our technology generates electricity from the immense power of the seas, and it is changing the way we power our lives – from how we make a cup of tea to how we travel.
“We now have the reality of tidal powered cars, which demonstrates the huge steps forward we are making in tackling the climate emergency and achieving net zero by working in harmony with our natural environment.”
Fiona Nicholson from Cullivoe is an electric car driver and she welcomed the new addition as a benefit for the local community.
“I am delighted that we have an EV charge point powered by the tide,” she said.
“I work in Lerwick, so I need access to a charge point, and it is exciting to have this on my doorstep. “Most people in Shetland live close to the sea – to be able to harness the power of the tide in this way is a great way to use this resource.
“I have followed Nova Innovation from when they built their test model in Leith up until now. We are very lucky to have a long stretch of coastline in Shetland and I think there will be a lot of interest in this technology and how different businesses could use it.”
The charger project received funding through Transport Scotland to install the infrastructure as part of the transition towards clean energy.
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Transport minister Michael Matheson said: “It’s fantastic to see that Nova Innovation is demonstrating yet again that Scotland remains at the forefront of developments in zero-emission transport solutions.
“I’m pleased that Scottish Government funding is enabling the installation of a new charge point in Shetland which operates entirely on renewable tidal energy.”
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