Preliminary report on the use of tunnels for power transmission

Abstract

The potential for power generation from wave action increases with the distance off shore and the initial study has suggested that a location some 15 kilometres to the west of Uist would be attractive. The transmission lines are a major problem as in the extremely hostile off shore environment they would be very difficult to maintain. The North of Scotland HydroElectric Board's experience with cables in these locations has been very adverse and a reliable method of transmitting the power back to shore is essential. It was agreed that Babtie Shaw and Morton should investigate and prepare a preliminary report on the possible use of tunnels for this purpose.