Carmichael calls for marine renewables role in UK industrial strategy

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on ministers to include marine renewables in their industrial strategy during Business and Trade questions in the House of Commons. Speaking in Parliament, Mr Carmichael highlighted the benefits of a UK-oriented supply chain for the marine renewable industry, and the Minister for Industry Sarah Jones indicated she would meet to discuss the issue further. Some of the most significant marine energy research and development sites are based in the Northern Isles. 

The marine renewables industry’s key asks of government are:

• Setting a £30m tidal stream and a £5m wave energy ringfence in its next renewable auction.
• Targeting 1GW of tidal stream and 300MW wave energy deployment by 2035.
• Allocating 3% of Great British Energy’s budget to supporting marine energy. 

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“The development of marine renewable energy is getting close to commercial deployment. If we are able to get it across the line, it will bring with it a supply chain that we can build and hold in this country, with a view to exports across the world. That would surely be a great result for any industrial strategy. What will the Government do to ensure that their industrial strategy helps marine renewables reach full commercial deployment?”

Responding for the government the Minister for Industry Sarah Jones MP said:

“The right hon. Gentleman makes a really good point, and I would be happy to have a proper conversation with him about it. Marine renewables are a huge opportunity for us. We can build the supply chains across the country and, of course, Scotland is uniquely placed to take advantage of that. I would love to have a conversation about it.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“There are opportunities across the board for the UK if we maximise our potential in marine renewables, particularly tidal stream energy. The new government has indicated its support but we need to see concrete action, both by increasing the tidal and wave ringfence in the next renewable auction and setting a clear target for deployment for the next decade. 

“If Great British Energy is to live up to its ambitions then marine renewables have to be part of the investment plan – I shall be following up these issues with the minister and across government.”