RenewableUK has urged the UK government to include tidal and wave energy in its upcoming Industrial Strategy as the sectors offer potential for significant economic growth.
The call comes ahead of the release of the ‘Ocean Energy Race’ report today, at RenewableUK’s Wave and Tidal conference in London, which maps the new marine energy clusters already created in Scottish Highlands and Islands, Wales, South West of England, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight.
The sector is providing jobs and attracting millions of pounds in investment to some of the areas of the UK which need them most, while the universities around the UK are playing a major role in global research, according to the UK’s trade body for tidal and wave energy, RenewableUK.
Hugh McNeal , RenewableUK’s Chief Executive, said: “This is a cutting-edge industry creating much-needed jobs in Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, Swansea and Orkney. It will grow worldwide with opportunities to export our technology across the globe.
“It’s vital that the Government recognizes that wave and tidal power is transforming coastal communities around the UK, and if we don’t build on our success those communities will miss out.
“Politicians from every party are standing up for marine energy, because they see the benefits to their area. Marine energy can become a key modern industrial sector. To make this happen, we’re urging Ministers to include wave and tidal power in their Industrial Strategy.”
Scotland urges for end of uncertainties for marine energy
Addressing the conference, Paul Wheelhouse, Scotland’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, has also called the UK government to include marine energy in its Industrial Strategy.
Wheelhouse said. “Scotland’s wave and tidal sectors are already having a positive impact on the Scottish economy, bringing innovation, inward investment and skilled jobs.”
“I very much hope that the UK Government takes the opportunity to clarify its commitment to renewables in its final industrial strategy.
“The UK government must put an end to uncertainty: we need ‘sector deals’ for our wind and marine energy industries to provide vital routes to market and to allow new technologies to continue to achieve economies of scale through application of the technology in the field.”