Tidal energy could help power the economy after a Yes vote – The Herald

THE joint universities report which concluded that one half of Scotland’s
energy requirements could be harnessed from tidal power from the Pentland
Firth should be viewed as a significant development in support of the
economic case for indepen­dence (“North coast tides could power half of
Scotland, say scientists”, The Herald January 20).

Whilst arguments can rage over whether North Sea oil will last 10 years or
50 years there is no argument over tidal power. Tidal power is consistent
and inexhaust­ible. It is there forever with the added advantage of being
environmentally sensitive when compared with new technologies such as
fracking.

It offers Scotland an opportunity to become the global leader in renewable
tidal technologies, technology that can be developed, improved and
perfected in Scotland’s universities, and exported all over the world. The
boost to jobs in research, development, design, manufacture, installation
and maintenance in the sector would be massive.

For the next 40 to 50 years Scotland could realistically aspire to a
balanced economy – North Sea oil, infinite renewable energy from natural
tides, waves and wind, financial services, food and drink including whisky,
manufacturing, tourism and so on – that would be the envy of any country in
the world.

However, past experience has shown that if left to Westminster the
opportunity to benefit from Scotland’s resources will be lost to the
Scottish people.

Already the development of renewable and green technologies is being
hampered and delayed by a UK Government that is failing to commit
sufficient funding to them. Only in an independent Scotland which has the
economic muscle and the desire to fast-track their development can we
maximise their potential.

A further report from Stirling University made it clear that curing the
income and social inequalities that exist in society, and which distress
and dismay many of us, will take a number of years (“Doubt over wealth gap
ambition”, The Herald, January 21). However, it is increasingly evident
that the UK Government with its focus on London and the south-east shows no
signs of having the will to address these issues.

Benefiting from the balanced economy described above, an independent
Scotland would have the opportunity to make it happen for the Scottish people.

John Jones,
16 Ballantine Drive,
Ayr.