The Scottish Highlands are set to be the home of the UK's first
datacentre powered by tidal energy.
The
BBC reports that hundreds of jobs could be created by the site
near Castle of Mey. A possible spin-off from the scheme is that
excess energy created by the site could be used to power the
production of fresh produce at Prince Charles' nearby organic food
business.
Tidal power developer Atlantis Resources Corporation has
confirmed to the BBC it is considering the project, which would be
powered by a tidal scheme in the Pentland Firth.
Atlantis has already held talks with the public development
agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
James Mitchell, head of business development for Atlantis, said
the project could lessen the blow from local workforce reductions
at the former Dounreay nuclear power complex.
He told the BBC, "We estimate that our plans in the region would
ultimately create at least 700 new jobs over the next decade in
association with the installation, operation and maintenance of the
tidal current turbines.
"We are also keen to use the excess heat from the datacentre to
warm greenhouses. The site under consideration is close to Prince
Charles' Castle of Mey, so perhaps we can use renewable energy from
the Pentland Firth to help grow local organic food under his Mey
Selections range."
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