UK government to put 拢10m into 拢51m scheme to create tidal power array in northern Scotland

Flood water

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The UK government has agreed to invest 拢10m into a 拢51m project to build the world鈥檚 biggest tidal power scheme in Scotland.

The Meygen project in the north of Scotland would generate enough electricity to power 175,000 homes and is also being backed the Scottish government and the Crown Estate.

Energy secretary Ed Davey said the 鈥渋nnovative and exciting project鈥 would put the UK 鈥渙n the map as a global leader in marine technology鈥.

He added: 鈥淲ave and tidal power have the potential to provide more than 20% of the UK鈥檚 electricity needs, and Meygen could pave the way for future projects in the Pentland Firth.鈥

The UK has around 50% of Europe鈥檚 tidal energy resource.