ScottishPower Renewables’ (SPR) tidal energy project in the Sound of Islay has been recognised by the Energy North Awards.

The ten tidal turbine array development has been awarded the Best Offshore Renewables accolade.

SPR was awarded consent for the world’s first commercial sized tidal project in March 2011 and are currently working towards beginning installation of the tidal turbines in 2013.

This project will utilise the 1MW Hammerfest Strom device, with a machine due to be installed at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney before the end of the year, in preparation for the Islay project.

The Energy North Awards judges praised SPR’s extensive use of the Highlands and Islands supply chain from pre consenting, through to fabrication and highlighted that the project is significant in terms of technology and commercial scale, with massive export potential.

Alan Mortimer, ScottishPower Renewables Head of Renewables Policy, said: “This was really unexpected and we are extremely grateful for this award.

“The Highland and Islands could have a major role in the future of marine renewables and we have already seen that potential with the construction of the Hammerfest device substructure at Arnish.”

-ENDS-

Photo Caption - Host Nicky Marr,  (l), Laura Watson, Marine Development Engineer (m), Steve Ham, The Underwater Centre