Why not tidal turbines?
If the council is going to build a fixed link between Yell and Unst across Belmont Sound, this could be an ideal opportunity to include a barrage with tidal turbines to produce significant amounts of environmentally friendly electricity.
There could also be scope for similar combined schemes across parts of Yell Sound. There has been one such scheme operating successfully in France since 1966. Unlike the present plan for 152 significantly environmentally unfriendly wind turbines. Shetland’s contribution I believe is a ridiculous £300 million towards this project.
With any external funding available, this money could pay for the fixed links and tidal turbines. As for the time factor, think how long it will take to erect 152 giant wind turbines. Tidal turbines are far more efficient than wind turbines, and there will always be a tide, whereas of course there isn’t always wind.
In other words, kill two birds with one stone.
Roddy Nicolson
Mervue,
Aith.
Stuart Eunson
I fear Roddy has got a bit mixed up here. The tidal barrage mentioned is across the Rance estuary in France. It consists of a 750m long dam across the estuary to contain the water from the 8m plus tidal range for release at a later point in the tidal cycle. A similar setup in Bluemull sound would need two very large dams and the tidal range here isn’t much more than a few meters at springs.
In short not worthwhile and I dare say not too environmentally friendly.