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The Marine Power All-Occasion Parliamentary Group (APPG) has been revitalized with the MP for Orkney and Shetland assuming the role of Chair. The initial full assembly of the renewed Parliament took place today, 22 October 2024.
Chair Alistair Carmichael MP is accompanied by Llinos Medi MP (Plaid Cymru, Ynys Mon), Harriet Cross MP (Conservative, Gordon and Buchan) and Torcuil Crichton MP (Labour, Na h-Eileanan an Iar) as officials of the group.
The UK is endowed with over 30 GW of unutilized marine energy potential, adequate to satisfy a third of its current electricity needs. This potential can be harnessed by deploying tidal stream generators and wave energy converters in its waters.
The APPG is dedicated to unlocking that potential, advocating for the economic, supply chain, and energy security advantages stemming from the development of marine energy resources. Its membership encompasses all four nations, with MPs representing coastal communities and constituencies poised to gain from marine energy through the creation of green jobs, supply chains, and advancement.
The global marine energy export market is anticipated to be valued at over £70bn by 2050. With more than 80% of the UK supply chain embedded in projects currently being implemented, marine energy can play a pivotal role in achieving the Government’s ambition to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower. This necessitates a supportive and transparent policy context.
Today’s gathering brought together MPs and industry leaders from across the political spectrum to discuss the actions needed during this Parliament to assist the UK in realizing its marine energy potential, along with the industry’s primary requests of the Labour Government:
- Establishing a £30m tidal stream and a £5m wave energy ring-fence in its next renewable auction.
- Co-investing in marine energy projects through GB Energy.
- Aiming for 1 GW of tidal stream and 300 MW wave energy deployment by 2035.
Alistair Carmichael MP welcomed the reinstatement of the Marine Power APPG:
“The UK possesses a rich marine energy resource and the essential maritime engineering expertise to lead globally in harnessing the power of waves and tides. This requires government and industry collaboration to create a conducive policy environment that facilitates more projects in our waters. I’m delighted to have been elected chair of the Marine Power APPG and look forward to collaborating with colleagues from all parties to achieve substantial progress throughout this parliament.”
Neil Kermode, managing director, EMEC attending the APPG:
“It’s encouraging to witness strong cross-party interest in marine energy, with representation across Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, SNP, and DUP, underscoring the national commitment to this vital sector. I am especially pleased to see Alistair Carmichael, the MP for Orkney and Shetland, leading the APPG. Alistair is a committed proponent of maintaining the UK’s leadership in marine energy and has experienced firsthand the jobs and supply chain growth resulting from the unique testing and demonstration activities in Orkney; economic benefits that will continue to escalate throughout the UK as the sector further develops and commercializes.”
For further details and a list of members, visit: Marine Power APPG
Source: Marine Power Council
