Tidal power could make Scotland the “green energy capital of Europe according to its environment minister Michael Russell who was speaking at the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy project in New York where two new turbines are being installed in the East River.

Scotland has a marine energy research centre on the island of Eday in the Orkneys which is developing wave and tidal projects. “We are home to the meeting point of two powerful seas and the Pentland Firth has been described as the ‘Saudi Arabia of tidal power’,” said Mr Russell. “The technology is still at an early stage but by learning from other early adopters, we can ensure that Scotland is at the frontier.”

u www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/09/09111618