Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has added his name to a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister calling on the Government to support tidal stream energy.
Tidal stream generators use moving water to power turbines, and can convert kinetic energy into valuable electricity. It is hoped that tidal stream generation will play a significant part in helping the UK meet its net zero targets.
The letter was organised by the Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael, and was backed by politicians from all major political parties. Specifically, the letter calls for ‘ring-fenced’ funding in the upcoming Contract for Difference auction.
These auctions are part of the Government’s fiscal policies to support the commercialisation of green energy technology. The letter notes with some concern that ‘despite the UK’s world-leading position in tidal stream energy development, these technologies are not currently included in the Government’s draft framework for the next auction’.
Gwynne and other parliamentarians are now urging the Prime Minister to reconsider the Government’s position and give proper support to the green technology.
Commenting on his support for the campaign, Andrew Gwynne said:
“As COP26 comes to a close, it’s really important that the Government provides the necessary support to green technologies so that we can build for the future. Tidal stream energy has the potential to make a massive difference to our net zero targets, and it really is a no-brainer for the Government to back it.
All we are asking the Government to do is give the same opportunity to tidal stream that it has given to offshore wind. We should be leading the way in innovative leadership on green technology.
I hope that the Prime Minister recognises that this is not a party-political issue. We must work across the aisle to do what is best for generations to come.”
To read the full letter and signatories see below.
