However, the report also notes that further R&D will fail to secure an accelerated project pipeline without appropriate policy support to boost continued deployment, and private investment to drive commercialisation.
“With rising costs and the need to adapt to a varied future renewable energy mix, we have identified key drivers in how tidal energy can reduce UK energy system costs by up to £600m a year and play a full part in the net zero revolution,” said Simon Cheeseman, wave and tidal energy sector lead at ORE Catapult.
Sean Parsons, director of external affairs at UK tidal stream developer SAE Renewables, said: “This report highlights that tidal stream energy can play a significant role in powering our homes and businesses while also providing further significant benefits for the community and wider UK supply chain.
“SAE’s MeyGen site is the world’s leading tidal energy site and has provided over 50GWh of clean, predictable power to the electricity system, generated jobs and investment, exported technology and provided a platform to innovate and demonstrate a leading global technology while driving down costs. But to deliver the benefits highlighted in the report we need the ongoing support of government to provide a route to market and continue allowing sites around the UK to expand.”
To read the Tidal Stream Technology Roadmap click here.
