Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help support (a) investment and (b) growth of tidal stream companies in coastal communities in (i) Scotland and (ii) the UK.

Tidal stream companies are eligible to apply for the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, the UK’s main mechanism for supporting low-carbon generation. Over 40MW of new tidal stream power was secured in Scotland and Wales by four developers last year. The next CfD round, including tidal stream, will take place in March 2023.

Since 2003 Government has provided innovation funding of £175m to the wave and tidal sectors. Tidal stream projects are also eligible for a suite of research funding programmes including the UK Research and Innovation matched Horizon funding.