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This week marks the launch of the Marine Energy Taskforce (MET), which is charged with creating a roadmap to harness the UK’s marine energy capabilities.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP, along with members from the MET Core Group, including The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland, confirmed support for this crucial 12-month initiative.
The UK boasts more than 25 GW and 11 GW of available wave and tidal stream energy capacities, with projects currently in progress that have over 80% UK supply chain involvement. The MET aims to investigate the necessary actions to unlock the UK’s potential while ensuring high levels of UK content.
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh suggested that the UK stands to gain £50 billion for its economy and generate over 90,000 jobs by taking the lead in the global marine energy sector.
The MET will emphasize four themes deemed essential for advancing marine energy development in the UK, specifically:
- site development;
- financing;
- innovation; and
- growth of the supply chain.
Subgroups will support the MET Core Group in formulating its recommendations by incorporating expertise from various segments of the renewable energy field.
The partnership between The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland will jointly finance the taskforce, uniting the UK, Welsh, and Scottish Governments, along with crucial organizations such as Mission Control and Great British Energy, to generate a set of recommendations aimed at addressing challenges and seizing the marine energy prospects.
The Marine Energy Council, representing the UK’s tidal stream and wave energy communities, will lead and function as the secretariat for the group.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP stated:
“With a coastline that ranks among the longest in Europe, it’s time we effectively utilize our marine energy prospects and harness our waves and tides. We will collaborate closely with the industry to dismantle obstacles, unlock investments, and stimulate growth in our coastal communities while providing clean, domestically produced energy that we manage.”
Mike Dobson, Head of New Energies at The Crown Estate, remarked:
“There is substantial potential along the UK’s coastline to capture the consistent nature of our tides and waves and utilize them to support the transition to clean energy. We’re delighted to back the Government’s Marine Energy Taskforce to expedite the sector’s growth potential and investigate its contribution to the UK’s future energy composition, ensuring vital information is included in our Marine Delivery Routemap as we take a long-term approach to seabed use extending to 2050.”
Tom Mallows, Head of Offshore Development for Emerging Technology & Infrastructure at Crown Estate Scotland, said:
“Crown Estate Scotland is pleased to support this Taskforce and appreciates the emphasis it provides to the tidal stream and wave energy sectors. Being the entity responsible for managing seabed rights in Scotland, we play a crucial role in fostering the sustainable expansion of offshore renewable energy generation. Tidal stream and wave energy present significant long-term possibilities if we undertake intentional and coordinated action. The Marine Energy Taskforce roadmap will clarify the steps needed to realize this potential.”
Sue Bartlett-Reed, Chair of the Marine Energy Taskforce, commented:
“The UK possesses the natural resources and maritime engineering proficiency to spearhead advancements in tidal stream and wave energy. The Taskforce is a vital initiative for mapping out the realization of that potential. Marine energy initiatives are presently being deployed with over 80% UK supply chain expenditure. The Marine Energy Council aims to sustain high levels of UK content as the sector expands and as we capitalize on our waves and tides. I extend my gratitude to The Crown Estate, Crown Estate Scotland, and DESNZ for their backing of the Taskforce.”
The Energy Minister will participate in both the initial and final gatherings of the Core Group, which consists of:
- Sue Bartlett-Reed, Chair, MEC
- Richard Arnold, Policy Director, MEC
- Tim Warham, Senior Policy Advisor, DESNZ
- Mike Dobson, Head of New Energies, The Crown Estate
- Tom Mallows, Head of Offshore Development, Crown Estate Scotland
- Ed Sherriff, Director of Energy, Welsh Government
- Tim Cullen, Director Business Development & Partnerships, Great British Energy
- Michelle Quinn, Director of Offshore Wind, Scottish Government
- Jake Rigg, Clean Power Expert Advisor, Mission Control
- Neil Kermode, Associate, EMEC
- Andy Bilcliff, CEO, Mentor Mon Morlais
- Andrew Scott, CEO, Orbital Marine Power
- Anders Jansson, Head of Business Development, CorPower Ocean
- Tom Hutchinson, Director of Products and Services, Proteus Marine Renewables
- Simon Forrest, CEO, Nova Innovation
- Jonathan Hodges, Managing Director, Wave Energy Scotland
- Henry Jeffrey, UK Representative, International Energy Agency, Ocean Energy Systems
