Major plans for tidal energy farm

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A major tidal energy project is being planned for waters off the coast of Northern Ireland and Scotland. ScottishPower has identified sites off the Antrim Coast, Pentland Firth and the Sound of Islay to test sea turbines which could power thousands of homes.

A major tidal energy project is being planned for waters off the coast of Northern Ireland and Scotland.

ScottishPower has identified sites off the Antrim Coast, Pentland Firth and the Sound of Islay to test sea turbines which could power thousands of homes.

They have been working on the Lanstrom device, which is said to be one of the world's most advanced tidal turbine.

The sites would host up to 60 of the turbines, 20 at each site, generating power for up to 40,000 homes.

The company is expected to apply for planning permission next year.

The device, similar to an underwater wind turbine, has been tested in a Norwegian fjord. Keith Anderson from ScottishPower said it was a "historic day for the development of marine energy".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7640842.stm