Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
The UK is at the forefront of tidal renewable energy technology, but the UK Government...
Recommendation
The UK is at the forefront of tidal renewable energy technology, but the UK Government must invest more in this sector to ensure that the UK retains its world leading position. A laissez-faire approach risks the UK being left behind again, as happened when Denmark eclipsed the UK in its approach to the offshore wind market. The UK can become world leaders within the tidal energy sector if the right level of investment is introduced and sustained. We welcome the announcement of the tidal stream strike price, but there is concern that this is not the correct funding mechanism for emerging renewable technology. This investment could also bring huge export benefits to the UK. We recommend that guaranteed financial support be provided by the UK Government for development of tidal energy through the CfD mechanism. This investment will be able to bring tidal energy generation to market to maximise the potential of renewable energy in the UK, give confidence to investors, and increase exports of tidal technology. (Paragraph 45) A green recovery for Jobs
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Tidal stream generation could also have an important role in the long-term decarbonisation of the UK, but it will have to reduce its costs to compete with other low-carbon renewable technologies. However, tidal stream is an eligible technology for the Contracts for Difference scheme. Last year’s Call for Evidence on marine energy garnered substantial material on several tidal stream and range projects and we are evaluating this in the light of our statutory commitments on decarbonisation of the Economy.