It will be installed in Scotland at depths of between 60 and 200 meters, to take advantage of the power from sea currents.
Iberdrola has just taken a giant step in its renewable energy business. The Scottish Government has given the go ahead for its most recent project, that will develop the first tidal power park in the world.
The facility, which will be in service from 2013 to 2015, will provide 10 megawatts (MW) of power, enough to satisfy the electricity needs of the entire island of Islay, on Scotland’s west coast.
The project consists of installing ten Hammerfest Strom HS1000 model turbines. The turbine looks like a ground-based wind turbine, but it sits on the sea floor, and as such will not put any limitations on navigation. Further, the Spanish company will be able to take advantage of the power of currents at a depth of between 60 and 200 meters.
Iberdrola has spent six years developing the HS1000 model in Norway together with its manufacturer, Hammerfest Strom, in which Iberdrola has a stake. This system is the world’s most advanced for tidal power turbines.
The project undertaken by Iberdrola will play a decisive role in the large-scale roll out of tidal power. Upon its completion an environmental impact study will be carried out.
El Economista