House of Commons · Westminster Hall
16 January 2025 · 15 other contributors · 17,529 words
Opened by Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Responding minister: Michael Shanks
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about marine renewables industry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP calls for further Government signals and support to help the industry reach commercialisation. He references the positive impact of previous commitments like ringfenced pots for tidal stream generation in past allocation rounds.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate highlights the importance of Government support for the marine renewables industry, particularly in Scotland. It mentions a forthcoming University of Edinburgh report indicating that marine energy could contribute £37 billion gross value added to Scotland’s economy by 2050 and create up to 62,400 jobs.
The UK is uniquely placed in terms of marine energy, with the east coast of Scotland well-designed for marine energy technologies. The previous Government invested heavily in renewable technologies, supporting thousands of new jobs across the United Kingdom. The previous Government reviewed the Swansea tidal lagoon thoroughly but decided against it due to cost concerns. He stated that if costs were brought down and technology proved viable, the current Government could reconsider. Asked about discussions between the UK Government and Scottish Government regarding reforming planning and consenting provisions in Scotland under Electricity Act 1989.
Discussed a conceptual tidal project known as the reef that would stretch from Aberthaw in south Wales to Minehead in Somerset, generating up to 30.4 TWh per year.
Supported the development of marine renewable energy while emphasizing the importance of respecting fishing industry interests. Highlighted the potential economic benefits and environmental advantages of tidal stream turbines and wave energy, stressing the need for spatial planning and consultation to minimize conflicts with fishing activities.
Stressed the importance of marine renewables in combating climate change and boosting jobs, while criticising past Conservative policies on renewable energy investment.
Supported the idea of tidal range and barrages across various UK regions, including Morecambe bay and Cumbria, stressing their potential for investment and energy contribution. The hon. Member criticised the lack of action on tidal technology and questioned why his Government had cancelled the Swansea tidal lagoon. The hon. Member mentioned his ownership of shares in a company involved in renewables, ensuring transparency despite no longer working directly in the sector.
Cornwall is ideally placed to lead in marine renewables due to its strong tides, winds, and proximity to the Celtic sea. However, tidal and wave industries need Government support, particularly ringfencing for AR7, to ensure a stable energy supply and job creation. Inquired about how devolving the Crown Estate to Wales would work in the Celtic Sea, given Cornwall's benefits from offshore wind installations there.
Highlights the potential for tidal green energy in Strangford Lough and supports ongoing marine hydrokinetic turbine testing by Ocean Renewable Power Company Ireland, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The right hon. Gentleman made a special request on behalf of the fishing sector for a regulatory framework that is flexible and adaptable. Made a plea for engagement with the Northern Ireland Assembly to move forward collectively on renewable energy initiatives.
Highlighting that local communities must benefit directly from projects in their areas through direct jobs and indirect benefits. He also mentioned the importance of community ownership and highly skilled local jobs.
Welsh coastline has significant marine energy potential, contributing £29.9 million to the Welsh economy last financial year with 429 full-time jobs. Asked the Minister about the Crown Estate and its centralisation, questioning why it cannot be devolved to benefit local economies in Wales.
Asked about the Government's leadership on tidal sector projects, particularly whether criteria published by previous Governments are being carried forward.
Disagreed with the suggestion that the Crown Estate should be devolved. Mentioned Great British Energy's potential role in investing in marine renewable technology at an early stage. Discussed the visibility of projects bidding and the complexity of factors involved with licensing and consenting.
The setting of the ringfence is a process that could be significantly improved by the taskforce being set up.
Supporting marine renewables demonstrates foresight into achieving energy security in the long term. Marine renewables will be an incredibly useful source of energy, according to the Government’s “Clean Power 2030” plan.
Discussed the innovative work of Nova Innovation in marine energy, highlighting its progress in Orkney and Shetland. Called for a Government target of 1 GW tidal stream capacity by 2035, investment through GB Energy to scale up projects, and faster consent processes.
Asked about the National Energy System Operator's proposals and their implications for prioritising projects on the grid queue.
Government Response
Michael ShanksThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
The Minister thanked the right hon. Member for securing the debate and acknowledged the sector's potential in energy outcomes, skills development, supply chains, innovation, and export opportunities. He stated that the Government is supportive of marine energy and will address concerns raised by Members. Stated that the Government increased the budget for contracts for difference to support tidal stream projects. Confirmed a 50% increase in the ringfence for tidal stream to £15 million in the last allocation round, securing 28 MW of tidal stream power. Discussed the importance of partnership working with the Scottish Government on planning reforms, mentioned ongoing consultations regarding the consenting process under Electricity Act 1989. Emphasized the necessity to speed up project approvals while maintaining community voice in planning. Stressed government's industrial policy commitment towards UK-based manufacturing for renewable projects and willingness to support wave energy industry progress.