UK Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens met representatives of the marine energy sector this week to discuss how government and industry can work together to realise Wales’ 6GW tidal stream and wave energy potential, according to the UK Government.
The meeting reviewed industry progress, the work of the Marine Energy Taskforce and the upcoming renewable auction.
The Marine Energy Council said Wales’ 870-mile coastline offers significant opportunity, including the Morlais tidal stream site on Anglesey, which is managed by Menter Môn and has 240MW of consented capacity.
The MEC said 38MW has been contracted across the last three renewable auctions for companies including Inyanga Marine, Magallanes Renovables, QED Naval and Verdant.
It added that these projects, due to deploy before 2028, were enabled by the UK Government’s ringfence for tidal stream technologies.
The MEC said it is calling for a £40m tidal stream and £7m wave energy ringfence in the next non-offshore wind auction, with the budget due on 8 December.
Jo Stevens said: “There is huge potential for Wales to capitalise on our natural resources and play a leading role in marine energy development through projects like Morlais in North Wales.”
She said: “The UK Government is committed to growing the clean energy sector to help reduce household bills and secure home-grown energy supplies.”
She added: “I was delighted to host the roundtable, bringing industry leaders together to make sure Wales is front and centre of the clean energy revolution.”
John Idris Jones, director of Morlais, said: “Wales has significant and untapped tidal stream potential.”
He said: “Wales can lead the world in developing, building, and exporting marine energy technologies.”
He said: “The next renewable auction is an opportunity to build on the progress being made and unlock the full potential of marine energy to support the UK Government’s Clean Energy Superpower ambitions.”
MEC chair Sue Bartlett-Reed said: “Wales has a rich marine energy resource and will be important in the delivery of UK and global efforts to develop tidal stream and wave energy technologies.”
She said: “With the UK Government’s backing, the Marine Energy Task Force will develop a set of recommendations which will unlock delivery of a roadmap for marine energy.”