(SCOTLAND)
The world’s first ever large-scale tidal stream farm moves a step closer
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is visiting the country’s Highland region today to see the first turbines in the groundbreaking MeyGen renewable energy project.
Owned by Atlantis Resources, the tidal stream array will further strengthen Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in the marine renewables industry.
The First Minister said: “I am incredibly proud of Scotland’s role in leading the way in tackling climate change and investment in marine renewables is a hugely important part of this.
“MeyGen is set to invigorate the marine renewables industry in Scotland and provide vital jobs for a skilled workforce, retaining valuable offshore expertise here in Scotland that would otherwise be lost overseas. Highly skilled operation and maintenance jobs will also need to be carried out locally, providing strong local employment opportunity for rural areas.
“There is no doubt that the eyes of the world are on this project which is why the Scottish Government’s investment is so crucially important.”
Tim Cornelius, Chief Executive of Atlantis Resources, said: “Today marks a historic milestone not just for Atlantis and our project partners, but for the entire global tidal power industry. It gives me enormous pride to have reached this juncture after 10 years of tireless work, preparation and planning by everyone associated with this project. This is the day the tidal power industry announced itself as the most exciting new asset class of renewable, sustainable generation in the UK’s future energy mix. This is an industry that is creating jobs and Scotland is the undisputed world leader of this high growth sector.”
