Tidal stream has crucial role in Scotland’s energy future, says industry body
Orbital O2 at EMEC’s Fall of Warness (Credit Orbital Marine Power)
The new Scottish Government must set out its commitment to Scotland’s world-leading tidal stream sector, says industry body.
To help build investor confidence in the sector and remove barriers which are slowing the commercial roll-out of tidal stream projects, Scottish Renewables is calling on ministers to commit to publishing a dedicated policy statement for tidal stream technology in its upcoming Programme for Government.
The tidal stream sector is facing a pivotal moment over the next 12 months with developers looking to progress projects and fulfil the significant economic potential outlined in a recent report published by the University of Edinburgh.
A growing demand on planning and consenting is placing significant pressure on regulators and key advisory bodies, highlighting the need for a clear and coordinated policy framework to support the commercialisation of the tidal stream sector.
A dedicated policy statement would reinforce the Scottish Government’s support for tidal stream recognising the importance of this technology and its potential to support economic growth.
Scottish Renewables has issued an open letter, sent to Stephen Gethins MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, calling on the Scottish Government to publish its commitment to tidal stream in the upcoming Programme for Government.
Colin Palmer, Director of Offshore at Scottish Renewables, said:
“We have worked with our members to identify the biggest challenges facing the tidal stream sector and explored how these can be resolved to ensure this technology fulfils its potential to play a vital role in the UK’s future energy system.
“The new Scottish Government has an opportunity at the start of this parliamentary session to strengthen its position on tidal stream by taking swift and positive action to deliver a vision that points to how this technology can achieve commercial-scale deployment.
“As a predictable source of clean power, with a strong track record of supporting local supply chains and jobs, tidal stream has considerable potential for growth. It is vital that the sector is given the confidence it needs to accelerate the delivery of these projects.”
Research by the University of Edinburgh, published last year, shows the potential economic benefit of tidal stream energy to Scotland is £4.5 billion Gross Value Added, with a further £11 billion coming from international projects if the country takes advantage of its vast tidal resource. A potential 22,500 jobs could also be secured in Scotland by 2050.
Tidal stream projects have already secured an 80% UK-based and 50% Scottish-based supply chain. Orbital Marine Power, MeyGen and Nova Innovation are currently developing projects, with over 300MW of generation capacity, in Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.
Eileen Linklater, Director of Corporate Affairs at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), said:
“Scotland has a unique opportunity to capitalise on its global leadership position in tidal stream energy.
“As a highly predictable and reliable source of power, tidal is complementary to other renewables, helping to balance the energy system as we deploy more intermittent generation. As the world’s leading test centre for marine energy, EMEC has hosted a range of demonstration projects, proving this technology at scale. With the right policy framework now, we can accelerate its transition into a dependable, commercial part of Scotland’s energy mix.
“A clear commitment from the Scottish Government would send a powerful signal to investors that Scotland is serious about turning its world‑leading innovation into a globally competitive industry. We are already seeing the benefits flowing into communities through high‑value jobs, local supply chains and long‑term economic opportunities.
“With consistent policy support, Scotland can capture even greater value at home while exporting its expertise worldwide.”
Source: Scottish Renewables
