UK net-zero target looks into tidal power

The UK’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) will consider the role of tidal energy in the UK’s low-carbon energy mix.

This is part of the latest phase of the Technological Innovations and Climate Change inquiry.

The technology is at the early stages of development and has not rolled out despite 80 per cent of the UK public support.

The UK government has undertaken numerous reviews into the potential for tidal range.

When examining the possibility of a tidal lagoon fleet in 2017, the UK government stated the tidal capital cost per unit of annual power output is higher than other energy sources.

The EAC will examine these issues, considering whether tidal power could play a role in the UK’s net-zero goals.

In September this year, the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) also launched a consultation on how the government can support marine energy projects, such as floating offshore windfarms, tidal stream and wave energy.

The EAC has invited for written submissions to inform its forthcoming session.

The session will focus on what contribution can forms of tidal power play towards the UK’s energy mix; also, why despite the considerable marine resources available, have relatively few developers established tidal projects.

The EAC will also address locations for tidal energy technology; financial support; cost-effectiveness ; the environmental impacts; as well as the wider economic benefits and potential disadvantages.