UK Energy Secretary Edward Davey has given a speech at Tidal Energy Summit about tidal energy and the challenges that industry is facing, commenting on the latest Pelamis’ administration proceedings and Siemens’ decision to abandon MCT.
In his speech, Edward Davey said that the UK is the world’s foremost centre for tidal energy development, and that the government is determined to maintain that world leading position.
The Marine Energy Programme Board estimated this year that by 2035 the UK marine energy industry could be worth over GBP 6 bn a year, employing around 20,000 people supplying both domestic and global markets.
Edward Davey also commented on the Pelamis Wave Power’s filling for administration , and Siemens’ descision to abandon MCT :
“This is always hugely disappointing for all concerned, but we need to secure all the lessons and know-how the team at Pelamis developed.
“We’re all equally disappointed about Siemens’ decision not to take forward MCT. Having visited MCT myself, I had felt that the deployment of more of their tidal stream devices was just a matter of time.
“MCT had gathered the most operational experience of tidal stream in the whole industry. So I sincerely hope Siemens will do their utmost to ensure that MCT’s, expertise and know-how are appropriately managed and transferred so that they can continue to benefit this industry. So such recent developments are – if we ever needed them – stark reminders of how fragile and young the industry is.”
The Secretary affirmed that tidal power is part of the UK’s future, and that the 2020s will see tidal power contributing to the UKs energy security and to its economic growth. He stated that the challenge for the industry over the next five years remains in moving from demonstration to commercial viability.
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Tidal Energy Today Staff; Image: flickr/DECC