Part of the world’s largest tidal-powered energy farm could be built off Northern Ireland it was announced today.
Three sites are under investigation - two off Scotland - for up to 60 underwater turbines, generating 60 mega watts of power for 40,000 homes.
ScottishPower, the energy firm behind the plans, is planning to fix tide-turbines to the floor of the sea off the coast of Co Antrim, in the Pentland Firth between the Scottish mainland and Orkney, and in the Sound of Islay.
The structures stand 30 metres tall on three legs and can work as deep as 100 metres below sea level with the ability to turn to harness tide movements.
The 20-metre blades would turn at least 10 metres below the surface to avoid shipping, developers said. The zones would be banned to trawlers for safety reasons.
ScottishPower said tests in Norway proved the turbine blades moved slowly enough for marine life to avoid them.
PA