Carmichael secures meeting on marine energy centre support following debate on renewables
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today led a parliamentary debate on government support for marine renewables, calling for a renewed push by government to allow the vital green industry to build on past success. In the debate Mr Carmichael noted the potential for tidal stream renewables to become a world-leading success for the UK, with significant export opportunities and high quality employment in coastal communities.
Mr Carmichael also highlighted the need for specific bridging funding from government for the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, which faces a funding gap following the winding up of EU “Interreg” support. The Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart MP agreed to meet with a delegation to discuss the concerns for EMEC.
Speaking during the debate Mr Carmichael said:
“My first ask of the minister this morning is if he will meet with me and a delegation from EMEC so that we may identify future sources of funding. The government has made a significant commitment now to marine renewables. EMEC remains central to delivering the full potential of the government’s commitment. Having come so far, we cannot allow that critical operation to fall between the gaps in government.
“[This is] an industry that has the potential to support thousands of jobs across the UK – good quality manufacturing jobs which bring with them the opportunities to grow an export industry and which would be an obvious route towards a just transition for many of those currently working in the oil and gas industry.
“When I talk to the young men and women who are undertaking apprenticeships [in the oil and gas sector] now they believe that by the end of their working lives they will be working not in oil and gas but in marine renewables.
“ORE Catapult estimate the UK’s tidal stream industry could support 4,000 jobs by 2030 and 14,500 by 2040. As much as 50-60% of these high-wage, high-value jobs would be focused in coastal areas.
“The marine renewables sector has a number of well-formed asks of government. The most immediately important is their need to have an early indication of their intentions with regard to the continuation of the ringfenced pot for tidal stream in the Government’s upcoming Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 5. An indication of when an announcement might be made would be welcome.
“In the longer term, the industry is calling for CfD auctions to be reformed in a way that would reward projects which have significant levels of UK content. In that way they can trigger new manufacturing investment, or support innovation within the supply chain.”
He concluded:
“The UK has an astonishing advantage in that we already lead the way in this sector, through patient work by many stakeholders over the years. Now is the time to capitalise on that lead, commit to the policies that will expand our reach, and make tidal stream innovation a true icon of the UK economy.”
A spokesperson from the European Marine Energy Centre said:
“Participation in EU programmes have built considerable capacity within EMEC as we support innovation projects, fostering job creation and green growth with partners across the UK.
“Orkney is at the epicentre of a renewables revolution over the next decade. The contribution of marine energy can be significant, representing an unparalleled opportunity to drive growth, decarbonisation and deliver increased energy security. Ensuring EMEC can play its full part in catalysing this activity locally and nationally is essential.
“In the absence of EU funding, we need to ensure government commits support to longer-term targets for fostering innovation and capturing industry benefits. EMEC will continue to facilitate R&D at our sites, and internationally, to facilitate cost reduction and array deployment in support of technology commercialisation and export.”