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Marine Renewables Industry
16 January 2025
Lead MP
Alistair Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland
LD
Responding Minister
Michael Shanks
Tags
TaxationScotland
Word Count: 17529
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about marine renewables industry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Andrew Bowie
Con
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow
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.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
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.
South Devon
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.
Claire Young
LD
Thornbury and Yate
Stressed the importance of marine renewables in combating climate change and boosting jobs, while criticising past Conservative policies on renewable energy investment.
Gideon Amos
Lab
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
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.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab/Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
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.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
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.
Lorraine Beavers
Lab
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Asked about the Government's leadership on tidal sector projects, particularly whether criteria published by previous Governments are being carried forward.
Michael Shanks
not specified in transcript, assumed as Government Member
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.
Carmichael
LD
South Antrim
The setting of the ringfence is a process that could be significantly improved by the taskforce being set up.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
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.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
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.
Bath
Asked about the National Energy System Operator's proposals and their implications for prioritising projects on the grid queue.
Government Response
Michael Shanks
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Government Response
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.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.