Scottish energy development to create construction jobs

A brand new renewable energy facility on the west coast of Scotland is set to create a significant number of construction jobs. The world’s largest tidal stream energy development will harness power from the Sound of Islay and generate enough electricity for over 5,000 homes.

New construction jobs for Scotland

ScottishPower Renewables' £40 million tidal array will develop emerging tidal energy technology, and provide economic and community benefits to Islay and Jura. The Scottish Government said it will cement Scotland's position as a world leader in marine energy.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: "With around a quarter of Europe's potential tidal energy resource and a tenth of the wave capacity, Scotland's seas have unrivalled potential to generate green energy, create new, low carbon jobs, and bring billions of pounds of investment to Scotland.

"This development - the largest tidal array in the world - does just that and will be a milestone in the global development of tidal energy."

Green energy project to create local construction jobs

Mr Swinney said the Scottish Power Renewables project will work in harmony with the environment and will generate enough green energy to power twice the number of homes on Islay.

He added: "There is simply nothing like it consented anywhere else in the world.

"I am pleased that ScottishPower Renewables will work with the Islay Energy Trust to maximise social and economic opportunities, for instance using local marine contractors during installation or creating new local jobs in the onshore construction phase.

"We will continue to work with our enterprise agencies and with other partners to develop to our full potential and cement Scotland's position as a global leader in marine energy."