A fresh approach to utilising tidal energy could enable Scotland’s coastal communities to transition away from expensive and environmentally damaging oil and diesel power. By focusing on locally generated power instead of waiting for expanded grid capacity, a recent study proposes practical solutions to achieve cleaner energy use in these areas.
The report, prepared by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, explores ways for communities to connect directly to tidal energy projects. This approach would allow locally produced renewable energy to be used without relying on the national grid. It also examines converting tidal energy into green hydrogen, opening doors to decarbonising industries and creating clean fuel alternatives.
Energy resilience in remote regions could significantly improve by reducing dependence on oil and diesel, which often require costly long-distance transportation. Additionally, these tidal projects could offer economic benefits, creating jobs and generating revenue through community-based funding. The study reviewed 30 tidal stream locations across Scotland, identifying 20 close enough to potential end users. Various innovative applications were considered viable, including using tidal power to support whisky distilleries in Islay, replacing diesel generators with battery storage on Barra and Vatersay, and harnessing the Pentland Firth’s energy for green hydrogen production on Orkney’s Flotta island.
While the report acknowledges that local use of tidal power is not a substitute for a national grid connection, it positions these initiatives as complementary measures. It also identifies opportunities to repurpose infrastructure from the oil and gas sector for hydrogen and synthetic fuel production, leveraging the expertise of industry professionals.
This study arrives as the UK Marine Energy Council targets 1 GW of tidal power by 2035, with Scotland projected to contribute 700 MW. The findings underscore the significant potential of tidal energy to drive progress toward net-zero goals, bolster local energy security, and foster green economic growth.
According to Carolyn MacPhee of Crown Estate Scotland, tidal power represents a steady and predictable renewable energy source. She emphasises that unlocking its potential could provide clean energy to local communities, support job creation, and lower energy costs. Eileen Linklater of EMEC highlights the importance of addressing grid constraints and recommends strategic planning to optimise resources for industries seeking decarbonisation. The study aims to guide future policy and practical measures to overcome challenges and expand the reach of tidal energy projects.
Tidal energy presents a promising avenue for Scotland to achieve sustainable growth, cleaner energy solutions, and economic benefits for its coastal communities. By embracing local energy generation and innovative uses, the country can accelerate its journey towards a greener future.
SAE Renewables Limited (LON:SAE) was founded in 2005 as a supplier of tidal stream turbines, SAE quickly grew to include development of tidal stream projects and is the majority owner of MeyGen, the world’s largest tidal stream energy project.
