Carmichael highlights need for certainty on EMEC funding from UK government

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on ministers to give funding certainty to the European Marine Energy Centre following announcements of a need for restructuring in the marine renewables innovation hub. Speaking in Parliament during an Urgent Question on the COP28 climate summit, Mr Carmichael noted that ministers in the Department for Levelling Up had previously indicated that a three-year funding stream would be possible for EMEC but this has yet to fully materialise. The responding minister undertook to facilitate a further meeting with colleagues.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“Is it not just a little embarrassing that as ministers head to the Gulf for COP28 the European Marine Energy Centre in my constituency is having to consult on downsizing and restructuring, because her colleagues in the Department for Levelling Up to provide the three year funding stream that they had previously undertaken to do?

“Will she speak to her colleagues in the Department to ensure that that money can be given some certainty now, so they can continue their world-leading – genuinely world leading – work in the development of marine renewable energy?”

Responding for the government, Energy Minister Amanda Solloway MP said:

“It’s not this department, but I am very very happy to take that away and facilitate a meeting or indeed have a meeting myself.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“We have made progress with ministers in getting an understanding of what is needed to fully realise EMEC’s potential. Clearly, however, there is still some ways to go and we cannot wait forever.

“There is no point in trumpeting funding increases for marine renewables in the Autumn Statement if at the same time you are holding out on proper support for a flagship tidal stream innovation hub.

“This is where the government needs to step up its game and play its part in keeping EMEC in its leading role in tidal stream energy. Their success is in the interest of the wider renewables sector and the country as a whole and I shall continue making that case to ministers.”