Marine renewables

There is enormous potential to convert the energy from the seas around the UK into low carbon electricity. Wave and tidal power technology allows us to harness natural energy to drive electricity-generating turbines.

Wave and tidal energy will play a role in the UK target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 (based on a 1990 baseline).

Tidal barrages and lagoons can exploit the potential energy between high and low tides; tidal stream systems make use of the energy of moving tidal waters, and various wave power systems use the energy in waves.

There are many potential sites for tidal barrages in the UK. There are also feasibility projects in place in the Severn Estuary, the Mersey and Soloway Firth.

We support renewable energy where it does not pose significant risk to people and wildlife. A potential disadvantage of wave and tidal power is that it could harm marine life and commercial fisheries. We we will take these factors into account when making any decisions on marine renewables.

• Marine renewables (PDF, 74Kb)
  Download a summary of our work on marine renewables