South-west England renewables trade body Regen SW has written to energy minister Andrea Leadsom setting out the wave and tidal industry’s ‘asks’.
Following on from last month’s meeting with Leadsom, when over 20 south-west England business and university representatives met at the House of Commons, Regen SW and South West Marine Energy Park director Johnny Gowdy has submitted a draft set of policy recommendations intended to accelerate the commercialisation of wave and tidal energy.
These include a sustainable funding structure for Wave Hub and other UK test and demonstration sites; a Contract for Difference ‘lite’ for marine; interim CfD “minima” and strike price for wave and tidal beyond 2019; and marine policy visibility beyond 2020.
Other recommendations include re-establishing a more focused DECC-led Marine Energy Programme Board or similar body with DECC and BIS to give the industry a clear channel to engage with government. The letter also calls for improved collaboration between UK national government, devolved governments, regional bodies and European partners.
Gowdy told Leadsom: “The industry at a critical juncture in its development supported by growing international investment, the UK has a great opportunity now to build on its leadership position and press ahead to secure its place in the global market.
“To achieve this it will be important for DECC, BIS and other government departments to work together with the marine energy industry to set out a clear ambition and commitment, backed by policy measures, to enhance investor confidence and enable the UK industry to deliver cost competitive energy, jobs and export opportunities into the next decade.”
DECC has come under criticism from the marine industry in recent months for a perceived lack of visibility over wave and tidal since May’s general election, leading some to question its support for the burgeoning technology.
A DECC spokesman said: “There has been no change to wave and tidal stream policy since the elections.”
Image: Regen SW director Johnny Gowdy (Regen SW)
