Residents in Shetland, an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland, can now use electric cars powered entirely by energy generated from the sea.
BREAKING NEWS: Nova world first – tidal powered cars now a reality in Shetland – driving Scotland to #NetZero and powering a better future👉https://t.co/EH54QqAbxE@ShetIslandsCll @ScotGovEnergy @transcotland @UKEF @EUeic @EU_MARE @UN_SDG @G7 #tidalcars #blueeconomy #bluegrowth pic.twitter.com/APcRDuPQkT
— Nova Innovation (@NovaInnovation) March 22, 2021
Tidal turbines from Nova Innovation have already been powering the local homes and businesses of the islanders for more than five years, but now it has been taken to a new level to power transport too, believed to be the first in the UK to do so.
The company has set up an electric vehicle charging point at Cullivoe harbour on the shores of Bluemull Sound, the strait between Unst and Yell in Shetland’s North Isles, where drivers can now fill up using only tidal energy.
In Shetland, the sea plays an enormous role in the life of the residents with most of them living next door to it. Harnessing the power of its tides means they can profit even more from this incredible natural resource whilst helping to work towards net zero emissions and protecting our planet.
Simon Forrest, Chief executive officer at Nova Innovation, described how harnessing the power of the sea is changing the way power is used. “We now have the reality of tidal-powered cars, which demonstrates the huge steps forward we are making in tackling the climate emergency and achieving net zero by working in harmony with our natural environment”, he said.
The Nova project received support via grant funding through Transport Scotland, and Transport Minister Michael Matheson explained how, “This type of innovation is key in responding to the global climate emergency and highlights the opportunities that can be realised here in Scotland.” The project is one of several initiatives planned and introduced by the country in an effort to lower emissions in the fight against climate change.