On May 8, Michael Shanks MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, announced the establishment of an industry-led Marine Energy Task Force. The task force aims to accelerate the deployment of marine energy technologies across the UK by addressing existing barriers, identifying necessary investments, and producing a strategic roadmap. This initiative reflects the UK government’s increasing focus on advancing marine energy as part of its broader energy transition goals.
Strategic Roadmap to Unlock Marine Energy Investment and Overcome Deployment Challenges Nationwide
According to Minister Shanks, the primary objective of the task force is to produce a roadmap that outlines clear recommendations for overcoming deployment challenges and estimates the investment needed to realize the UK’s marine energy potential.
The roadmap will be developed in collaboration with industry leaders and published by the Marine Energy Council, the national trade body representing the tidal stream and wave energy sectors. The findings will be presented to the government to guide future policy and funding decisions.
UK Launches Marine Energy Task Force to Drive Tidal and Wave Power Investment and Deployment
Minister Shanks specifically highlighted the significant progress of marine energy in Wales, which has already secured £292 million in investments and supported the creation of 429 full-time jobs.
This success showcases the sector’s growing economic and employment impact and serves as a model for wider national efforts. It also underscores the importance of continued support for marine technologies, particularly in regions with rich tidal and wave energy resources.
UK Expands Marine Energy Focus with Tidal, Wave, and Floating Wind Projects
The UK continues to prioritize tidal stream energy, with over 130 MW of capacity projected by 2029, bolstered by recent Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds. Wave energy, while still in the research and development phase, is also gaining support as its commercial viability draws closer.
Additionally, the government has reiterated its backing for floating offshore wind, with the Celtic Sea leasing Round 5 progressing toward finalization, further broadening the scope of the UK’s marine energy ambitions.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the formation of the task force. Jay Sheppard from Marine Energy Wales praised the initiative as a turning point for the sector, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action and investment to harness marine energy’s full potential.
The announcement follows commitments by UK and Welsh governments to deepen collaboration on tidal energy development, marking a united push to turn long-standing marine energy ambitions into scalable, real-world outcomes.
