The Role of Marine Energy in the UK’s Net-Zero Transition
The United Kingdom is already a global leader in offshore wind power generation, as demonstrated by an installed and consented capacity of over 40 GW. Offshore wind energy is therefore becoming the backbone of the UK’s efforts to provide clean electricity to its homes, industry and other sectors. However, beyond the large numbers of turbines turning in the North Sea, there is one large area of opportunity in terms of renewables that has remained untapped: marine energy. Marine energy, which consists of tidal and wave resources, provides a source of predictable, renewable power that will be increasingly required by the future energy system as we move towards a zero-carbon electricity grid. As the UK transitions to a zero-carbon energy system, the use of marine energy will complement and support the ongoing development of a zero-carbon energy system , improving local economies in coastal areas, increasing the long-term energy security of the United Kingdom, and enhancing the stability of...