In the latest phase of the Technological Innovations and Climate
Change inquiry, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) will
consider the role of tidal energy in the UK’s low-carbon energy
mix.
As the country with the largest marine renewable resources in
Europe, and the second highest tidal range in the world, there is
significant potential for tidal power generation in the UK. Tidal
schemes could also offer a predictable and reliable energy
source, providing benefits over other sources of renewable
generation such as wind or solar.
However, the technology is at the early stages of development so
has not been rolled out despite 80% of the UK public supporting
tidal and wave deployment. The Government has undertaken numerous
reviews into the potential for tidal range. When examining the
possibility of a tidal lagoon fleet in 2017, the Government
stated the tidal capital cost per unit of annual power output is
higher than other energy sources.
The EAC will be examining these issues and more, considering
whether tidal power could play a role in the UK’s commitment to
be net-zero by 2050.
Terms of reference
The Committee is inviting written submissions to inform its
forthcoming session. These should focus on, but not be limited
to:
- What contribution can forms of tidal power play towards the
UK’s energy mix?
- Why, despite the considerable marine resources available,
have relatively few developers established tidal projects?
- Are there certain locations where one type of tidal
technology is best suited?
- How could financial support be structured to assist
technological and project development in this area?
- How might tidal schemes reduce costs to become commercially
competitive with other low carbon or renewable options?
- What are the environmental impacts of tidal schemes and how
can these be minimised?
- What are the wider economic benefits and what potential
disadvantages could tidal schemes bring to regional areas?
