Marine milestone for England’s seas
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has welcomed the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) recently published plans for the future of UK seas that will provide much-needed guidance for sustainable development.
The first two plans cover the East inshore and offshore areas, with a total of 11 plans covering English waters anticipated by 2021.
An interactive tool, the Marine Information System, explaining how marine plans affect specific areas has also been launched.
“The number one issue for the marine sector is ensuring there is enough room for growth for wave and tidal energy under the new Contracts for Difference scheme – for instance, by setting minimum deployment thresholds,” said Dr Steph Merry, head of marine renewables, REA.
The East Marine Plans designate several areas of high tidal stream resource off the East Yorkshire, Suffolk and Norfolk coastlines, where tidal energy development will be prioritised. The REA has played a key role in ensuring that wave and tidal energy is supported under the marine plans programme.
The plans cover the coast and seas from Flamborough Head to Felixstowe, with a major area earmarked for tidal energy development off the Norfolk coast near Great Yarmouth. They also contain similar policies for offshore wind.
The next marine plan will cover the South Coast, from Folkestone to Dartmouth. The REA says it will continue to engage with the MMO to ensure that all future marine plans also support the UK’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost energy security with marine renewable energy.
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