8. Wave &Tidal Energy - slow ahead both

In response to some Parliamentary questions about research on wave and tidal energy technology, Brian Wilson, the Energy Minister commented ‘The recent report of the Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into wave and tidal energy estimated that energy from wave and tidal currents around the UK have the theoretical potential to generate about 25% of the nation’s electricity. The same report estimated that if 0.1 % of the energy resource in the ocean could be converted to electricity it would satisfy the present world demand for energy five times over. This represents a significant new source of energy and the Department is vigorously encouraging and assisting industry to develop promising technologies. Success in this would lead to the development of new sustainable industries but it is too early in the technology development to provide reliable estimates of the size of the market and jobs.’

He noted that the DTI ‘has already supported the development of the world’s first commercial wave power device at Islay, and we recently announced that we will provide further support to the company involved, Wavegen, by increasing the level of R&D funding for their most recent project to almost £1.67m. This funding will assist with the further development of their new offshore wave energy concept and the construction and testing at sea of a prototype’ and ‘confirms the Government’s commitment to its new wave energy programme’.

He added ‘The Department commissioned a study into the prospects for tidal stream technology in the UK and this has now been completed. It was positive about the prospects for tidal stream, and is being taken forward in association with the industry. There are a useful amount of tidal currents around the shores of the UK and these are already well charted. There are a number of sites where tidal stream generators could be deployed, but as yet no prototype device. Tidal stream is now covered as a technology in my Department’s Sustainable Energy Programme.’

He went on, the DTI ‘recently initiated a call for proposals under the Sustainable Energy Programme, which invites bids for funds to support the development of both wave and tidal power. The level of funding will be dependent on the number of good quality R&D proposals which are received from the industry. Both technologies will also continue to be eligible for funding for R&D into Electricity Generation from renewable and clean sources from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. This programme provides £3.5m of support per year for research into the full range of renewables technologies. To date, wave and tidal projects have received over £769,000 of support from this source. We anticipate that the introduction of the Renewables Obligation will also provide a further stimulus to these and the wider range of eligible renewables, including wave and tidal power. Both technologies may also benefit from a proportion of the £100 m announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.’

* Wilson also reported that ‘the Department has carried out general studies on the potential impact of offshore energy devices, as well as Environmental Impact Assessments for specific schemes, including one for a proposed tidal stream development. These studies indicate that, providing the schemes are deployed with some care, they should not have any significant adverse effect on the environment and simple steps can be taken to ensure that such schemes are not a navigation or environmental hazard.’ Source: Hansard 2nd Oct 2001.

* The government has respond very positively to the House of Commons Select Committees very favourable report on Wave and Tidal Stream power last year (see Renew 137), and this area was the topic of a parliamentary debate on Jan10th. We’ll report in Renew 137.

Meanwhile, the application process for support under the Governments £49m capital grants scheme for offshore wind projects is rolling on. The DTI says that these grants ‘will support early deployment of a number of demonstration projects and enable the industry to develop a bank of knowledge and expertise to maximise the contribution of this technology to the UK’s 10% target’.