Scotland announces marine energy developments

Speaking at the Caithness Regeneration Conference in Thurso, Mr Salmond highlighted that Islay and the Pentland Firth are the first sites for commercial tidal farms.

The Minister revealed the Crown Estates will accept applications for commercial marine energy projects sited on the Pentland Firth seabed, which could see more than 700MW of energy generated in the area by 2020.

This is exciting news for Scotland's renewables sector, our environment and economy

Alex Salmond

Scottish First Minister

Furthermore, Scottish Power has announced it is evaluating three sites - the Sound of Islay, the Pentland Firth and the North Antrim coast in Northern Ireland, as locations for the development of the world's largest tidal stream project.

The firm has also invested in a new subsidiary company, Hammerfest Strom UK, which will work to commercialise the Lanstrom tidal turbine, which is jointly-owned by Scottish Power, StatoilHydro and Hammerfest Energi.

Commenting on the developments, Mr Salmond said: "This is exciting news for Scotland's renewables sector, our environment and economy. These developments are a significant step forward in Scotland's journey to become a world leader in the development of renewable energy.

He also predicted the country will meet its target of generating at least 31 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2011 and 50 per cent by 2020.