25 November 2011 | Linton Nightingale
Energy, Finance/insurance, Europe

 

The Rance Tidal Power Station was the world's first tidal power station located on the estuary of the Rance River, in Brittany, France.

The UK’s Energy Minister Charles Hendry said yesterday that the nation’s ambitious drive in marine energy could be greatly enhanced if it received further support and cooperation from other European countries.

Hendry’s call coincided with the publication of a report from EU member highlighting the need for funding and assistance from the European Commission to promote technologies and practices within the continents marine energy industry.

The ambitious plans outlined by the UK are expected to make it a leading destination for potential investors in the marine energy sector. Such policies that are being drawn up by the UK to make the project includes further funding to boost wave and tidal power, £20 million to enable the demonstration of the first marine arrays in the UK, and the publication of proposals that would see marine energy technologies being employed in the commercial environment within a decade.

Additionally the UK also announced that it is to join other European countries, including Denmark, France, Ireland, Norway, Portugal and the Netherlands, in lending its support to a paper outlining the benefits of marine energy. The paper notes that investment in the industry has the potential to supply up to 26,000 people with employment in the European Union by 2020 and as many as 314,000 by 2050. Furthermore, the document observes that the marine energy sector could satisfy the European Union with up to 15 percent of its energy demands by 2050, generate over €450 million, and provide new opportunities for coastal communities across Europe.

“There is an abundant energy resource in European waters and there is a clear appetite from individual states to make the most of it,” said Hendry. “Here in the UK we have set out ambitious plans to be a world leader in marine energy and get projects off the drawing board and into the water. And more international cooperation can help bring marine energy forward faster, develop supply chains, and support jobs.”

The report also warns that unless support is maintained at an EU-level then the opportunity for the EU to take a competitive lead over the rest of the world could be missed. Additionally, action at an EU-level would provide much needed confidence in the industry and help to develop the necessary technology and industrial supply chain capacity.

 

Image 01: Wiki Spaces

Image 02: Fundy | Flickr

Image 03: Climate Action Stock Photos
 

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