Shetland Tidal becomes world's first to feed power to grid

Tidal energy specialist Nova Innovation says it has become the first tidal energy company to install offshore tidal turbines to deliver electricity to the grid from two interlinked underwater turbines.

Two 100kW turbines have been installed so far in the Shetland Tidal Array at Bluemull Sound, with blades made by Shetland Composites.

According to Edinburgh-based Nova Innovation, tidal energy was a "long-term source" of predictable renewable power, with the turbines generating to full power across all tidal conditions.

Simon Forrest, managing director of Nova Innovation, said, "We are absolutely delighted to be the first company in the world to deploy a fully operational tidal array'', BBC reported.

He added, the deployment of the second turbine showcased the technology.

According to the estimates of the UK Carbon Trust, a £126 billion global tidal energy market could be developed by 2050.

According to WWF Scotland the turbines were another "major milestone" on Scotland's journey to becoming a "fully renewable nation".

The charity's director in Scotland, Lang Banks, added, "With some of the most powerful tides in Europe, Scotland is well placed to lead in developing this promising technology, which will help to cut climate emissions and create green jobs right across the country,'' BBC reported.

Most existing tidal schemes used just a single turbine to produce electricity and according to Nova, its array system, linking two tidal machines was a world first.

Other tidal turbines, such as one installed in 2008 at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, provide power to local grids from one turbine.

Forrest said deploying the second turbine truly set the company apart and showcased its technology.

He added he would like to thank the company's staff, partners and suppliers for helping to make its vision a reality.