Wave and tidal
energy in England and Wales today received a boost as plans for
the first full Strategic Environmental Assessment for wave and
tidal energy were outlined.
The SEA - which will also pave the way for storage of carbon
dioxide, and further offshore wind and oil and gas activities -
will ensure that environmental concerns are addressed as the UK’s
offshore energy resources are developed further.
Speaking at the Renewable UK Wave and Tidal Conference 2010,
Energy and Climate Change Minister David Kidney said:
“I am keen that we get as much of our energy as we can from
home-grown sources, and our seas are a fantastic asset that can
help us do this - in a number of ways. The exercise I’m launching
today will help us identify opportunities for new development,
whilst taking into account any possible impacts on the marine
environment.
“And by including wave and tidal in this assessment for the first
time, we’re laying the foundations for commercial deployment of
these technologies. This SEA and our forthcoming Marine Action
Plan, alongside our other support measures, will create the kind
of investor certainty that will help us maintain our position as
world leaders in marine energy technology.”
The Welsh Environment Minister, Jane Davidson said:
"This is great news for Wales. The Welsh Assembly
Government has big marine energy aspirations, and anticipates
utilising many gigawatts of power from wave and tidal stream by
2025.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant step
forward, moving us closer towards harnessing the vast potential
energy from our seas and securing a renewable and low carbon
energy supply for Wales and the UK.”
Maria McCaffery, RenewableUK's Chief Executive, said:
"This is excellent news for the UK's
green energy sector, especially the wave and tidal power industry.
RenewableUK's analysis shows that up to 2 gigawatts of
Wave and Tidal capacity could be installed by 2020 - enough to
power 1.4 million UK homes."
Notes to Editors
1. The scoping document is available at http://www.offshore-sea.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php.
2. David Kidney’s speech will be available on the DECC website or
from the DECC press office.
3. When the scope of the assessment is agreed the Department of
Energy and Climate Change will carry out the full Strategic
Environmental Assessment, producing an environmental report for
public consultation. This will enable The Crown Estate to then
look at the scope for commercial leasing opportunities in England
& Wales.
4. Renewable UK is the new name for the British Wind Energy
Association
5. The Department of Energy and Climate Change is central to the
UK Government’s leadership on climate change. We are pushing hard
internationally for ambitious effective and fair action to avert
the most dangerous impacts. Through our UK Low Carbon Transition
Plan we are giving householders and businesses the incentives and
advice they need to cut their emissions, we are enabling the
energy sector’s shift to the trinity of renewables, new nuclear
and clean coal, and we are stepping up the fight against fuel poverty.
Contacts:
Mark Malbas
Phone: 0300 068 5223
Mark.Malbas@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Phone: 0300 068 5219
nds.decc@coi.gsi.gov.uk