The UK Launches Marine Energy Taskforce to Accelerate Wave and Tidal Stream Energy Deployment
The UK has launched the Marine Energy Taskforce (MET), a new initiative aimed at developing a roadmap to realise the country’s marine energy potential. Supported by The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland, the 12-month project will focus on accelerating wave and tidal stream energy deployment while maintaining high levels of UK supply chain content.
According to the UK Marine Energy Council (MEC), the trade body for tidal stream and wave energy, the UK has an estimated 25 GW of wave and 11 GW of tidal stream energy potential. With more than 80% of current project content sourced domestically, the MET aims to ensure the UK remains at the core of the sector’s future growth.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
A recent University of Edinburgh study found that leading the global marine energy market could add £50 billion ($67.2 billion) to the economy and create more than 90,000 jobs.
Focus Areas of the Taskforce
The Taskforce will focus on four core areas – site development, financing, innovation, and supply chain growth, through a main Core Group and supporting subgroups. These will draw expertise from across the renewables sector to form a set of recommendations.
Key Stakeholders and Support
According to UK MEC, the Crown Estate, as part of the Great British Energy: The Crown Estate partnership, and Crown Estate Scotland will together fund the Taskforce. Key stakeholders include the UK, Welsh and Scottish Governments, Mission Control, Great British Energy, and industry leaders.
“There is significant potential around the UK’s coastline to capture the predictable nature of our tides and waves and harness them in support of the clean energy transition,” said Mike Dobson, Head of New Energies at The Crown Estate.
Core Group Members
The Core Group comprises a balanced representation from government, industry, and the research community. Members include Sue Bartlett-Reed (Chair, MEC), Richard Arnold (Policy Director, MEC), Tim Warham (Senior Policy Advisor, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), and other industry leaders.
Outlook on Marine Energy Potential
Sue Bartlett-Reed, Chair of the Marine Energy Taskforce, highlighted the UK’s potential to become a global leader in tidal stream and wave energy. The Taskforce aims to maintain high levels of UK content as the sector grows.
Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, emphasized the importance of unlocking the marine energy potential to deliver clean homegrown power and stimulate growth in coastal communities.
Support from Crown Estate Scotland
Tom Mallows, Head of Offshore Development for Emerging Technology & Infrastructure at Crown Estate Scotland, expressed support for the Taskforce and emphasized the organization’s role in supporting offshore renewable power generation.
Future Outlook and Findings
In May, the UK formed a new Marine Energy Task Force to unlock the potential of tidal and wave technologies. The task force’s findings will inform future policy and funding support in the marine energy sector.
With the appointment of a new board for the 2025/26 term, the UK MEC continues to bring together industry experts to drive growth and innovation in the marine energy sector.