Julian backs investment in tidal power to hit net zero targets
July 13, 2023
This week, Julian attended a drop in event in Parliament dedicated to increasing awareness for tidal power in the UK.
On the back of the war in Ukraine and the supply-demand imbalance that has been created, as well as the legally binding target to achieve Net Zero by 2050, energy security has become a much greater issue than previously envisaged. Looking at new and innovative ways to increase production of sustainable energy, here in Britain, has been one of Julian’s priorities.
Julian has long argued that, as an island, Britain underuses its ability to generate tidal power. For example, it has been estimated that tidal power could theoretically supply more than 150 TW/h per annum, well in excess of all domestic electricity consumption in the UK.
Not only is tidal energy publicly popular – with polling indicating 92% of people in York Outer support it – but the UK are currently world leaders in developing the technology, supported by the market framework established by this Government for the sector.
The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult believe that – should the sector be supported to grow and reduce costs through innovation, economies of scale and learning-by-doing – it is set to rapidly become cost-competitive:
– By 2035, tidal stream could provide power at £78/MWh
– By 2042, this could fall to £60/MWh
– By 2047, this could fall to £50/MWh
In recent months, Julian has written to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to ask about scaling up production of tidal energy in the UK. He has also submitted a series of written questions on the subject.
On the event, Julian said:
“It was good to attend this event and speak to some leading experts on tidal power and why it’s important, and indeed feasible, to increase the production of tidal power. I look forward to continuing to put the case for increasing energy security.”
