Sanda Sound tidal power

There is a proposal to establish a tidal power generation scheme in Sanda Sound and a company called Oceanflow Energy has received permission to install one 1/4 scale test device in the Sound in 2012. This will be a semi-submerged unit generating up to 35kW of power during spring tides. The test programme is expected to run for 5 to 7 years and will go hand in hand with detailed environmental impact studies.

This chartlet belows shows the planned location of the unit. Its position will be 55 degrees 18.19 min North, 05 degrees 35.85 min West and it will be fitted with a marker light and a radar reflector.

More information about the installation (including a video of the 1/10 scale unit currently under test in Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland) can be found on the Oceanflow website.

A study of the energy potential of the Sound carried out by Aquamarine Power for the South Kintyre Development Trust identified the "potential" of Sanda Sound "to generate local employment and income from renewable marine energy generation for the community, while contributing to CO2 emission reductions". The study carried out mathematical modelling of the energy potential of the tides in the Sound and idnetified that there is the potential to deploy just 4 turbines rated at 250kW. It also identified that a commercial development would first have to address aspects including:

• Environmental factors
• Recreational marine usage
• Grid access and grid strength
• Military activity

and that a full permitting process would have to be undertaken.

It is also worth baring in mind that the economics of such a scheme would, under the current status of development of tidal technology, require significant subsidy.