Friday 29 March 2024
 8°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Energy / Carmichael speaks up for tidal energy industry

Isles MP Alistair Carmichael in Parliament.

PRIME minister Boris Johnson has given a commitment to at least investigate the possibility of creating a dedicated support scheme for tidal energy as part of the upcoming Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction.

Challenged in parliament by Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael on Wednesday, Johnson said he was impressed by the proposals coming from the marine renewables industry.

Carmichael had earlier reminded the prime minister of his own words that now is the moment of turning words into action.

He said: “The prime minister is right that this is a moment for turning words into action, and one very small but very important action that he could take now, would be the creation of a ringfenced pot for the development of tidal stream energy in the next round of Contract for Difference auctions.

“This is a decision that has to be taken by the end of this month. Will the prime minister talk to his colleagues in BEIS (Department for business, energy and industrial strategy) and the treasury and make sure that it happens?”

Johnson said: “This is a point that I have heard several times from the benches opposite and I am very impressed by the tidal proposals that I have seen.

“What I will undertake to him is not to make an absolute commitment on the Contract for Difference but I will certainly go away and look at it again.”

There are a number of tidal stream energy projects in the Northern Isles at the brink of reaching market maturity, but since the closure of the ROC (Renewable Obligation Certificates) scheme to all new generation in March 2017 they have had no revenue support from government.

The latest tidal turbine installed has no gearbox. Photos: Nova Innovation

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

The Nova Innovation tidal array on the seabed in Bluemull Sound currently operates four 100kw turbines and plans to install two more in 2022. Meanwhile Orbital Marine Power commissioned the world’s most powerful tidal turbine in waters off Orkney last summer.

Carmichael said: “It is encouraging that the prime minister has agreed to look at support for tidal stream again.

“We have to hope, however, that he will do more than just look, as time is running out. We lead in tidal energy innovation in the isles and across the UK. We must build on that advantage.”

Contracts for Difference is the current government support scheme for renewable energy projects whereby successful bidders are paid the difference between a strike price and the actual cost of electricity on the wholesale market.

The next allocation round for CfD contracts will be open for applications from early next month.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.