Commonly considered renewable energy’s poor relation, tidal power got a significant boost last week as plans for a major new site off the coast of West Scotland were announced.

The first and largest tidal power site of its kind, 10 of the world’s most advanced tidal turbines are to be installed on the seabed in the Sound of Islay, the channel between the islands of Islay and Jura.

It'is believed that the 10 megawatts of energy it will provide will be enough to power the whole of Islay, including three of its whisky stills; Lagavulin, Port Ellen and Caol Ila.

The plans, submitted by ScottishPower Renewables, seek to take advantage of the strong tidal flows and shelter from storms offered by the sound. The first tidal turbine device will go into the water later this year.

“Tidal Power has long been considered as one of Scotland’s most valuable renewable energy resources,”ScottishPower Renewable’s CEO Keith Anderson told i newspaper. “Today’s announcement moves the whole marine renewable industry forward in Scotland and the UK.”