Introduction: The central aim of UK Government energy policy is to establish a supply of energy that is diverse, sustainable, secure and is offered at competitive prices. Key to this goal is an 80% reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2050. The development of renewable energy plays a primary role in UK Government strategy for carbon reduction and has set a target that 20% of the UK’s electricity supply should come from renewable sources by 2020 (Energy Review, 2006). It is now likely that this target will increase in order to help the UK meet its obligations under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
UK Government targets for renewable energy will help the UK to meet its international obligations, but also obtain greater security of energy supply through the promotion of indigenous electricity generation.
The Scottish Government has more ambitious targets than Westminster and is keen to achieve a target of 50% of energy from renewable sources by 2020. Plans are developing to ensure that the marine renewable energy sources wave, tidal and offshore wind will make a full contribution to meeting this target, and the Scottish Government has introduced strong funding incentives to help stimulate the sector and to maximise the economic benefits for the country.
It is clear that the global tidal power resource is extremely large, potentially 180TWh1 (roughly 60,000MW), with the prospect of a whole new industry emerging to design, manufacture, install and service tidal projects around the world. Many of the countries
which are blessed with substantial resource are also areas where IBR are currently active, and the company has decided to take an early lead in promoting the sector and to develop a commercial business over the long-term.
A key area of focus is in relation to the technology itself. Numerous devices have been proposed, and a number of these are at or close to prototype deployment, however none as yet can be considered to be fully proven or commercial. IBR has therefore taken the decision to work closely with leading technology developer Hammerfest Strøm to gain information on the technology and its potential, whilst helping to
accelerate the commercialisation of the technology.
