Underwater turbine powers island’s homes in test run

An UNDERWATER turbine destined to form part of a major energy project is already using tidal power to produce electricity for homes on a Scottish island.

The 100ft-long device, which can meet the electricity needs of 500 homes for a year, has completed its initial testing period.

Bosses at ScottishPower Renewables said the results gave them “great confidence” in the turbine, which will be installed in the world’s first tidal turbine array in the waters off Islay, in the west of Scotland.

The one-megawatt turbine was installed in the sea off Orkney last December in some of the worst weather experienced for more than decade. It is already providing power for homes and businesses on Eday, one of Orkney’s northern isles.

ScottishPower Renewables plans to use the device in a 10MW Sound of Islay array. The firm hopes to start work next year and finish by 2015.

Chief executive Keith Anderson said: “Test projects like this are vital to help us realise the potential of this substantial energy source.”