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Marine energy experts Nova Innovation installed the first ever electric vehicle (EV) charge point where drivers can ‘fill up’ directly from a tidal energy source.
The charge point is located on the scenic shores of Bluemull Sound, at Cullivoe harbour on the island of Yell in Shetland. Beneath the water, Nova’s tidal turbines have been powering homes and businesses in Shetland for more than five years. The island’s EVs can also now be powered purely by the tide.
Simon Forrest, CEO of Nova Innovation, said: “Our technology generates electricity from the immense power of the seas, and it is changing the way we power our lives – from how we make a cup of tea to how we travel. 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.
“In November, the eyes of the world will be on Scotland as nations come together to combat climate change at COP26. At Nova, we deliver ‘blue energy’ solutions that can be deployed all around the world, delivering clean, predictable energy direct from the sea to our clients to meet whatever energy needs they have – electricity, heat or transport.”
Tidal energy includes a variety of promising new technologies, which could be deployed at sites around the country. A government-cited source estimates the UK has half of Europe’s tidal resources, but high costs and environmental challenges in promising locations have held back wide-scale deployment.
Electric car driver Fiona Nicholson from Cullivoe welcomed the new charge point as a benefit for the local community. “I am delighted that we have an EV charge point powered by the tide,” she said. “I work in Lerwick, so I need access to a charge point, and it is exciting to have this on my doorstep. Most people in Shetland live close to the sea – to be able to harness the power of the tide in this way is a great way to use this resource.”
Traditional combustion engine vehicles are responsible for about a fifth of all carbon emissions in the UK. In the push towards ‘net zero’, the Scottish government has banned the sale of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel by 2032, accelerating the need to develop new sources of clean energy to power vehicles.
The Nova project received grant funding through Transport Scotland.
Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Nova Innovation is demonstrating yet again that Scotland remains at the forefront of developments in zero-emission transport solutions… This type of innovation is key in responding to the global climate emergency and highlights the opportunities that can be realised here in Scotland as we transition to a net zero economy.”
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