THE SNP have said it is essential that the UK Government delivers ring-fenced investment for tidal stream energy to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions.
In a visit to Nova Innovation’s manufacturing facilities in Leith yesterday, Ian Blackford called on Boris Johnson to deliver a dedicated budget for tidal stream energy in order to secure the future of the industry and deliver thousands of jobs.
The SNP Westminster leader said tidal stream energy has the potential to deliver a significant boost to the Scotland-made manufacturing industry. But in order to flourish, he said it requires the UK to commit to ring-fenced pot of at least £71 million by the end of this month.
SNP environment spokesperson Deidre Brock, Energy spokesperson Alan Brown, and Business spokesperson Stephen Flynn joined Blackford to see turbines being manufactured. It came as Nova Innovations and Simec Altantis enter into an agreement to deliver more tidal turbines in the water.
Research from the University of Plymouth has found that tidal stream power has the potential to deliver 11% of the UK’s current annual electricity. It does so as a “predictable and reliable” means of meeting energy demand. However, the study highlighted that the current configuration of UK funding is restricting opportunities.
Blackford said: “Tidal stream energy has the potential to be a major Scottish success story, and a key part of Scotland’s renewable energy revolution – but it can only flourish if the UK Government delivers the dedicated ring-fenced funding required to secure the future of this vital green industry.”
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