Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tidal Power

Wednesday 15 December 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government announced a 20 million ringfenced allocation for tidal stream technology.
  • Sally-Ann Hart's committee visit to Orkney highlighted the progress in tidal stream technology.
  • The first renewable energy auction will include a ringfenced allocation for tidal stream power.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sally-Ann Hart
Climate Scotland
Context

The Scottish Affairs Committee visited Orkney to gather evidence on renewable energy, where they observed the potential and cost-effectiveness of tidal stream technology compared to other options.

Question

What assessment has the Department made of the effectiveness of support for the Scottish tidal power sector? The committee's visit to Orkney highlighted the impressive progress in tidal stream technology which is less expensive than tidal lagoon barrage technology. I am pleased that the renewable energy auction will include a £20 million ringfenced allocation for tidal stream technology, and want to know how this will further stimulate growth in this sector.

Answer from Iain Stewart

The Government recently announced a £20 million ringfenced allocation for tidal stream technology within the new contracts for difference round, enabling Scotland to capitalize on its vast potential. I visited Orkney in August and was impressed by the innovative work being done there. Contracts for difference provide long-term investment confidence for renewables, positioning Scotland as a leader in this field.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific mechanisms or timeline to 'turbocharge' potential were not provided.

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Q2 Sally-Ann Hart
Climate Scotland
Context

The Scottish Affairs Committee visited Orkney to gather evidence on renewable energy, where they observed the potential and cost-effectiveness of tidal stream technology compared to other options.

Question

After visiting Orkney, my committee was impressed by the progress made in tidal stream technology which is less expensive than tidal lagoon barrage technology. I am delighted that the renewable energy auction will include a ringfenced allocation for tidal stream power for the first time. How will this £20 million fund turbocharge the potential of this form of renewable energy in Scotland?

Answer from Iain Stewart

My hon. Friend and her colleagues on the Committee had the opportunity to visit Orkney, where I also went in August and was hugely impressed by the innovation taking place there. The principle behind contracts for difference is that it gives renewables the confidence to invest long-term. Scotland as a whole, especially Orkney, will be at the forefront of this technology.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific mechanisms or timeline to 'turbocharge' potential were not provided.

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)