Government investigates tidal energy potential

The UK government has announced a study into the potential of marine energy generated from the coastlines of England and Wales.

The study, to be completed by 2011, is part of the government’s effort to encourage development of wave and tidal renewable technologies.

Lord Hunt, climate change minister, said the study shows the government is ‘very serious’ about marine energy.

Environmental consultancies AEA and Hartley Anderson will carry out the study, with input from developers, energy providers, and small business about the best locations for installing marine energy generators.

The study will screen the plethora of marine energy devices that are emerging from the UK’s marine energy sector

“The screening exercise will allow us to better understand the energy potential of marine energy devices and the realistic timescale of when multiple devices will be installed and commissioned,” Lord Hunt said.

He added that the exercise “is a significant step forward in our plans to harness the power of our seas and secure a renewable and low carbon energy supply.”

The renewable energy industry, however, expressed frustration at the government’s insistence on screening marine technology.

“The screening exercise is an unfortunate delay,” said a spokesperson for the Renewable Energy Association (REA).

He added that marine renewables are ready to be deployed immediately, and do not need screening.

A recent study of the Severn Estuary estimated that a tidal generator installed across the river could provide up to 5% of the UK’s energy needs.