A tidal energy turbine installed in the sea off Orkney last year has already generated more electricity in its first 12 months than Scotland's entire wave and tidal sector before it.
The 2MW (megawatt) prototype turbine Scotrenewables SR2000 has generated 3GWh (gigawatt hours) of electricity.
According to the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, 30 different devices tested by them have generated a combined 2.8GWh of electricity.
The SR2000 is different from older prototypes - which were similar to wind turbines only fixed to the seabed - in that it more resembles a boat.
Andrew Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Scotrenewables Tidal Power said the 63 metre prototype's result was "phenomenal", adding:
“We've generated over three GWh into the Scottish grid. That's more than three times any prototype system that's come before us and, in fact, cumulatively that's more power generated in 12 months from this single turbine than the entire wave and tidal energy sector has done in Scotland in the 12 years preceding the launch of this turbine."
The SR2000 was installed in the Fall of Warness in August 2017.
At points it has been able to power more than a quarter of Orkney's homes.
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Wind power took decades to prove and establish itself. By contrast, wave and tidal has made great progress in just over a decade in a technology where Scotland is a world leader.
"I have no doubt that wave and tidal power will become increasingly important as we continue moving towards a clean, green renewable energy future.”
ENDS
