Stone calls for UK Government support for MeyGen tidal energy project in Pentland Firth

A GROUP of MPs, including Jamie Stone, has urged the Prime Minister to provide financial support for tidal energy projects such as MeyGen, off the Caithness coast. They want Boris Johnson to support the industry by ringfencing money in the upcoming Contract for Difference auctions– a form of subsidy – before the deadline at the end of the month.

The auctions are part of the government’s fiscal policies to support the commercialisation of green energy technologies such as offshore wind. Yet despite the UK’s world-leading position in tidal stream energy development, notably MeyGen in the Pentland Firth, these technologies are not included in the government’s draft framework for the next auction, which is to be finalised at the end of November.

A ring-fence for tidal stream energy would ensure the industry is able to develop, up-scale and deliver these projects by offering a clear route to market. This is the same opportunity that has been afforded to floating offshore wind, which enjoys a ring-fenced budget of £24million from the available £55m.

Mr Stone is one of 36 MPs from all parties to sign the letter to the Prime Minister. “The amount of financial support that tidal stream requires is relatively small, yet the UK Government has so far refused to set aside ringfenced funding for the technology. It is heartening that colleagues from across the ideological spectrum, and indeed the entire UK, recognise the importance of this investment,” said the Caithness, Sutherland and easter Ross MP.

“From Nigg to MeyGen, we have a world leading role in marine renewables. As Cop26 continues we have the chance to build on that lead and invest in the green technologies of the future. This commitment is an easy win and will benefit both our economy and our environment. Now is the time to take the next step,” he added

In the letter the MPs describe the situation as "a matter of some urgency." They state: " The deadline for the creation of such ringfenced funding within the CfD auction is the end of the month. If we fail to meet that deadline then it will not end the development of tidal stream renewables – but we fear that it will spell the end of the lead that the United Kingdom currently holds in developing these technologies. If we make the relatively minor changes required, however, then the sector has the potential to deliver a predictable, clean, domestic energy source, creating green jobs the length and breadth of the UK."

The MPs add: "Ring-fenced support would not only deliver the ‘home grown, sovereign energy systems’ the Government is seeking to deliver but also demonstrate the UK’s strengths in innovation and leadership in tackling climate change.

"We hope that with your support, we will be able to make some progress on this issue. It would be a great signal for you to send to our green industries and the wider world as our chairing of Cop26 continues."

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