Three sites are being evaluated for the development of substantial tidal stream projects by ScottishPower Renewables it was confirmed today (29th September). Two of the sites are being planned in Scotland, in the Pentland Firth and the Sound of Islay, with the third off the North Antrim coast in Northern Ireland.

The company expects planning applications to be submitted to the Scottish Government and Northern Irish Assembly in summer 2009, with the projects becoming operational by 2011.

Keith Anderson, Director of ScottishPower Renewables, said: "This is a historic day for the development of marine energy. The rapid technological advancement of tidal power has enabled us to progress plans for this substantial project which has the real potential to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits."

Anderson acknowledged the role the Scottish government has played in the rapidly developing renewable sector. "These rapid advances, "said Anderson, "have only been achieved with the support and encouragement of the Scottish government – including its progressive system of strong financial support for tidal and wave projects".

In response Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond said: "Today, the focus is on the opportunities to be found beyond our shoreline. Caithness, and the waters churning off the nearby coast from the Pentland Firth to the islands of Orkney, stand as a powerful symbol of that renewable energy potential. Scotland has a marine energy resource which is unrivalled in Europe - we have an estimated 25% of Europe's tidal resource and 10% of its wave potential.

"That is why today's announcement from ScottishPower that they are to establish a new tidal energy company in Scotland is so significant. Hammerfest UK, has been established in Scotland with a view to maximising manufacturing and export opportunities here.

"Two of the sites being considered are in the Pentland Firth and while any applications will of course be considered carefully on their merits, this is a very exciting development and underlines the momentum that is beginning to build within the marine renewables sector."