The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has welcomed the news that several UK marine renewables projects have been successful in securing funding. These include MeyGen Ltd and Sea Generation Wales Ltd which have each secured £10 million under the government’s Marine Energy Array Demonstrator scheme (MEAD) for tidal stream projects at Pentland Firth and Anglesey respectively. The Pelamis project has also been granted £1.4 million by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to advance the cost-effectiveness of its wave energy devices. The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has also been awarded £4 million by the Scottish Government to fund a new testing berth.
“Energy policy seems to be a sea of troubles at present, and indeed there are clouds on the horizon for marine renewables” said Dr Stephanie Merry, REA Head of Renewables. “However, credit where it is due – Government support for marine renewables is one area of relatively calm waters. The existing support available under the Renewables Obligation, combined with targeted support such as this, is doing much to help drive cost reductions, as well as advancing innovations, proving concepts and improving efficiencies.”
Pelamis, EMEC and Sea Generation’s parent company, Marine Current Turbines, are all members of the REA’s Ocean Energy Group.
Further information:
Renewable Energy Association (REA)
DECC boost for UK marine power (Government press release)
