Carmichael calls for more support on tidal energy

Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, has challenged the Secretary of State for Scotland to work across Government and put forward the clear case for more support for wave and tidal energy as part of the Industrial strategy, which was published by the Government two weeks ago.

“For the industrial strategy to reach all parts of the United Kingdom, it should be an opportunity for Scotland to develop its potential in wave and tidal power,” said Mr Carmichael during  Scottish Minister’s Question Time, this week.

“That is going to be something that is going to require a dedicated funding stream. What is the Secretary of State doing in collaboration with his colleagues in the Department for Business to ensure that we get that dedicated funding stream.”

Responding on behalf of the Government, the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP, said that his colleagues in the Department for Business were well aware of the issues that Mr Carmichael has raised.

“They are important to ensure the development of tidal energy in particular, and will continue to look at what funding can be made available for it,” he said.

Speaking after the exchange, Mr. Carmichael said that the concern in the marine energy sector is that the government is seeking to put this issue into the long grass.

“The amount of money that would be needed is relatively small but could be transformative in terms of getting wave and tidal power to the point where they can be developed commercially,” he explained.

“Orkney and Shetland are at the forefront of wave and tidal technology, and the future needs of this industry must be included in the Government’s strategy if it is to be described credibly as an industrial strategy for the whole of the UK.”