Coal was mined at Brora until 1974 but was never important, although imported coal was used to power steam engines in the 19th century. Attempts to use peat for commercial electricity generation have not proved successful.
For a while nuclear energy seemed to be the way forward for the future, but the experimental fast breeder reactor at Dounreay in Caithness has now closed.
In the late 19th century water began to be used for generating electricity, e.g. at the Falls of Luichart in Central Rosshire. The need for cheap electricity for aluminium smelting led to the construction of the first major hydro schemes at Lochaber, Kinlochleven and Foyers. With the setting up of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in 1949, there followed major expansion in the use of hydro power. Large hydro schemes were built across the Highlands and pylon lines carried power to the south.
Today, in the search for energy sources other than fossil fuels, wind is seen as a solution. There is growing use of wind power for electricity generation. Large windfarms supplying the National Grid have already been built at Novar in Ross-shire and Beinn Ghlas in Argyll. One huge scheme is planned for Lewis.
Large oil and gas reserves were discovered offshore in the early 1970s and have brought much wealth and work to the Highlands and Islands. Oil rig construction yards opened at Arnish Point in Lewis, at Kishorn in Lochcarron and at Nigg in Easter Ross.
Read the text then answer the following questions.
Questions
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Complete the table below :-
Form of energy Place connected with it oil & gas e.g. Nigg in Easter Ross wind water nuclear - Which source of energy has proved the most successful in the Highlands to date?