Carmichael invites new Net Zero secretary to Northern Isles to see tidal stream energy potential

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to expand support for tidal stream energy and to set a deployment target for the sector in order to maximise its growth. Mr Carmichael also invited the Secretary of State to visit the European Marine Energy Centre in the Northern Isles to see the potential of the industry first-hand.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“Can I take the Secretary of State back to the question of tidal power generation? If he speaks to the developers in that sector at the moment they will tell him they need two things to keep growing that sector. They need an expanded pot for the ringfenced allocation in the next allocation round [of Contracts for Difference], and they need an ambitious deployment target for the sector – so can we have an early announcement with respect to that? 

“And if he really wants to understand the potential of marine renewables, he needs to get himself up the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. He’ll be very welcome any time, but he might want to come in the summer, while the days are still long.”

Responding, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband MP said:

“I thank him for that invitation and I will consider it strongly, because I care a lot about this area. I obviously have to make decisions in a certain capacity around Allocation Round 6 but I’ve heard what he’s said.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“Tidal stream energy has become a vital part of the Contracts for Difference framework, but it is now the only renewable energy technology that does not have a target for deployment. 

“We need a concrete target of one gigawatt tidal stream deployment by 2035, and we need the government to put consistent and forward-facing support behind the sector to deliver that target, with increased ringfenced funding.

“These industries of the future have the potential to play a central role in delivering a green energy network – and green jobs to boot. That is particularly true for communities like the Northern Isles where we have been leading the way. Other countries recognise the potential of tidal stream – this is our chance to establish real leadership for years to come and I shall be taking this matter up with the Secretary of State again.”