Recommendation 4

HM Government Acknowledged

The UK Government recently ran a Call for Evidence inviting views on what scope there is for marine technologies across the UK. In addition, local authorities in Wales and elsewhere had the opportunity to apply to the UK Community Renewal Fund for funding for, among other things, feasibility studies for net zero projects such as coastal energy initiatives. Tidal range could have a role in the long-term decarbonisation of the UK, but it will need to demonstrate how it can compete with other forms of renewable generation. The draft auction parameters for the fourth Contracts for Difference allocation round, including the administrative strike prices for wave and tidal stream were published on 13 September. Wave and tidal technologies are eligible to compete in Pot 2, which is for less- established technologies and for which a £55 million budget was announced. Government officials continue to engage with tidal stream developers to understand their cost-reduction trajectories, where those savings are likely to be found and, importantly in light of declining costs for other renewables, whether there may also be a rationale for funding arrangements outside of the Contracts for Difference scheme.