Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Project

The Pentland Firth is a stretch of water about 20 miles wide between the Caithness coast and the Orkney Islands. Independent reports show that the Pentland Firth contains six of the top ten tidal energy sites in UK waters – and is one of the best tidal resources available anywhere in the world. There is also a significant wave resource in the region. 

As part of its renewable energy investment programme, HIE is working closely with the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Board to capitalize on the tremendous marine energy opportunities in the area. Established in 2007 the Project brings together the area’s principal agencies working in partnership, providing the key contact for device developers, investors, utility companies and the supply chain.  

The Project vision is to support the development of a globally important marine energy industry in the Pentland Firth to the significant benefit of the local and national economies in a sustainable and environmentally aware way.  

Marine energy devices are still in the early stages of development but with the siting of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, this key infrastructure provides a ground breaking contribution to advancing the marine energy industry in Scotland.

EMEC was established at a cost of approximately £15 million, funded by HIE, the Scottish Government, Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, the Carbon Trust, Scottish Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council. The wave and tidal test centres are now well established and the first tidal device was generating electricity for the grid by the end of May 2008.

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