Deal for community tidal generator powers forward

PLANS to build the world’s 
first community-owned tidal power generator in Scotland moved forward yesterday after a new construction deal was agreed.

Steel Engineering will work on the turbine with Nova Innovation Ltd to power businesses in the remote community of North Yell on Shetland.

The turbine, which was first announced a year ago, will be owned by the North Yell ­community.

It has been funded through grants including £150,000 from the Scottish Government to help turn the development into reality.

Announcing the new deal as he visited Steel Engineering’s newly expanded base in Renfrew, First Minister Alex Salmond said the project was a “truly fantastic endorsement” of Scotland’s growing renewables sector.

The First Minister also officially opened a new Renewable Energy Skills Training Academy at Steel Engineering, which will train 60 apprentices a year, equipping them with the skills needed to work in Scotland’s ­renewables industry.

The Nova-30 turbine will be used to power a local ice plant and an industrial estate in North Yell.

Steel Engineering said the deal would help with its current aim of creating 120 new jobs in Renfrew.

Peter Breslin, managing director of Steel Engineering, said: “We are delighted to win this ground-breaking renewable contract which will help to put Steel Engineering on the map as a major renewable manufacturer and will also help to safeguard and create Scottish jobs at our facility in Renfrew.”

Simon Forrest, director of Leith-based Nova Innovation Ltd, said the deal would “significantly” advance marine energy in Scotland.

“We see significant potential for tidal [energy developments] for other communities across Scotland and look forward to working with Steel Engineering on this and future marine renewable projects,” he said.