OVERSEAS competition will wash away the UK’s “global lead” on marine power without government support, a leading player claims. Simon Forrest, founder and chief executive of Edinburgh tidal energy pioneers Nova Innovation, says failure to support the sector will see foreign competitors capture the market in the cutting-edge technology. The company, which partnered with Tesla to create the world’s first grid-connected “baseload” tidal power station in Shetland, aims to dominate the international market. However, the company fears government inaction could blow its chances in the same way as wind in the 1970s and 80s. While some specialists like Glasgow-based Howden exported turbines to the USA during the California wind power boom, a lack of domestic support meant they were unable to compete with rivals form Denmark, who took advantage of their country’s supportive policy and financial frameworks. Wind-related goods are now worth almost as much to the Danish economy as the defence sector is to the UK.
The National 27th April 2019 read more »
