The Untapped Value of Tidal Energy
The UK stands at the precipice of a monumental opportunity: harnessing the immense power of its tides to drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and secure a resilient, low-carbon energy future. Tidal energy, often overshadowed by more mature renewables, offers a uniquely predictable and consistent power source, making it a crucial component of a balanced and reliable energy mix.
Multiple independent studies estimate that tidal stream and wave energy could contribute over £50 billion to the UK economy under a ‘High Ambition’ scenario, potentially supporting over 80,000 skilled jobs across engineering, manufacturing, deployment, and operations [1, 2, 3]. The Gross Value Added (GVA) potential of this sector is staggering and represents a transformative opportunity for the UK economy.
This isn’t just about megawatts; it’s about manufacturing, innovation, and industrial sovereignty. The fabrication of floating foundations and tidal turbines is poised to become a major driver of UK Gross Value Added (GVA). However, to unlock and retain this value within the UK, strategic support and clear policy direction are paramount.
QED Naval: De-risked Technology, Ready to Scale
QED Naval Ltd. is a UK-based company that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing tidal energy technology and delivering tangible results. Marked by significant milestones and substantial investment across multiple projects, QED Naval is progressing from demonstration to commercial deployment while continuing to innovate through ongoing R&D. Our work reflects both technical leadership and a strong commitment to building the UK’s tidal energy future.
Proven Track Record: EU Interreg TIGER Project
QED Naval’s involvement in the EU Interreg TIGER project exemplifies its dedication to rigorous development and operational excellence. Supported by £3 million in ERDF funding as part of a larger €48.4 million programme, this project aimed to install up to 8MW of new tidal capacity across the Channel region.
Through this initiative, QED Naval achieved several key milestones:
- Gained invaluable operational and maintenance experience
- Validated its innovative Subhub platform in real-world conditions, demonstrating significant potential for reducing deployment and maintenance costs
- Advanced turbine yield performance through testing with ORE Catapult
- Established a strategic operational base at Langstone Harbour, near Portsmouth
- Facilitated commissioning and testing of Tocardo T1 tidal turbines in Wales
This project has not only advanced QED Naval’s technology roadmap but also strengthened its commercial readiness and regional presence in the UK tidal sector.
Pioneering Spirit: Netherlands OTP Oosterschelde Project
Further showcasing its pioneering spirit, QED Naval, through its subsidiary Tocardo BV, acquired and successfully operated the Oosterschelde Tidal Power (OTP) project in the Netherlands. Described as the “largest tidal array in the world” at the time of acquisition, this project featured a platform of 5 x T-2, 250kW Tocardo tidal turbines installed within the Dutch Delta Works.
The successful completion and subsequent decommissioning of this project underscore QED Naval’s capability to manage large-scale tidal energy installations from deployment to end-of-life, demonstrating a full lifecycle understanding crucial for the industry’s maturity.
The Morlais Commercial Project: A Glimpse into the Future
QED Naval’s first commercial project at Morlais in Wales represents a significant leap forward for the company and the UK tidal sector. With nearly £2 million already invested in preparation and a first-step procurement of £25 million toward a total capital expenditure of £121 million [10, 11], Morlais is set to power over 180,000 homes [10, 11]. This project is not just about energy generation; it’s a catalyst for domestic supply chain development and innovation.
QED Naval is actively fostering partnerships with leading UK institutions and companies:
- University of Edinburgh: Collaborating on advanced blade manufacturing, focusing on lighter and more cost-effective designs [12]
- PPI Engineering: Partnering for the design and manufacture of generators and their housings [13]
- NIDEC: Working on cutting-edge power electronics and controls [14]
- Local Fabricators: Engaging with local expertise for foundation systems
These collaborations are vital for building a robust, localised supply chain and ensuring that the economic benefits of tidal energy development remain within the UK.
Securing the Future: A Call to Action
QED Naval’s substantial investments – approximately €2.5 million on the EU TIGER project and €14 million on the OTP project, in addition to significant ongoing investment in Morlais – highlight the value already being generated within the tidal sector. Yet, as QED Naval looks to relocate its manufacturing from abroad to the UK, establishing its turbine, blade, and foundation system fabrication capabilities domestically, a critical need emerges – government certainty and direction.
The UK government has ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 100% clean power by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 [15, 16]. However, to ensure the GVA from the tidal sector is retained within the UK, explicit support for the domestic supply chain is essential. Reports indicate that a stronger UK supply chain can significantly increase GVA retention, with some companies already demonstrating high levels of UK content in their operations [17, 18].
Without clear policy signals and sustained commitment, there is a risk that the immense value generated by pioneering companies like QED Naval could be lost abroad. The time is now for the UK government to demonstrate its unwavering support and intent for the longevity of the tidal energy sector, solidifying its position as a global leader and securing a prosperous, sustainable future for the nation.
Conclusion
Tidal energy is commercially ready, strategically essential, and uniquely British. With a technology stack built, partnerships in place, and contracted revenue ahead, QED Naval is prepared to lead. Strategic and government support, aligned UK policy, making tidal part of our energy mix, can now accelerate tidal from niche to national infrastructure.
The opportunity is real. The leadership exists. The time is now.
References
[1] Renewable Energy World. “How much is marine energy worth to the UK economy? At least…” https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/hydro-power/tidal-wave-energy/how-much-is-marine-energy-worth-to-the-uk-economy-at-least-50b-per-year-report-suggests/[2] Energy Voice. “Wave and tidal energy could give UK £50bn boost, report finds.” https://www.energyvoice.com/renewables-energy-transition/wave-tidal/uk-wave-tidal/572100/wave-and-tidal-energy-offer-greater-export-potential-for-uk-than-floating-wind-report-finds/
[3] Marine Energy Council. “Marine energy could add £50bn to the UK economy by 2050.” https://www.marineenergycouncil.co.uk/news/marine-energy-could-add-50bn-to-the-uk-economy-by-2050
[4] QED Naval Limited. “Projects – QED Naval Limited.” https://qednaval.co.uk/projects/
[5] EMEC. “TIGER : EMEC: European Marine Energy Centre.” https://www.emec.org.uk/projects/ocean-energy-projects/energy-generators-and-demonstration-projects/tiger/
[6] Offshore-Energy.biz. “QED Naval eyes tidal resources on UK South Coast with new base.” https://www.offshore-energy.biz/qed-naval-eyes-tidal-resources-on-uk-south-coast-with-new-base/
[7] Facebook. “In conjunction with the EU’s Interreg Tiger project, QED is…” https://www.facebook.com/qednaval/videos/in-conjunction-with-the-eus-interreg-tiger-project-qed-is-commissioning-and-test/2154345814731402/
[8] QED Naval Limited. “Oosterschelde Tidal Project (OTP) – QED Naval Limited.” https://qednaval.co.uk/oosterschelde/
[9] Tocardo. “Tocardo Acquires the Largest Tidal Array in the World.” https://tocardo.com/tocardo-acquires-1-25mw-oosterschelde-tidal-power-plant-the-largest-tidal-array-in-the-world/
[10] Scottish Financial News. “QED Naval’s Morlais project to generate £30m GVA in next three years.” https://www.scottishfinancialnews.com/articles/qed-navals-morlais-project-to-generate-ps30m-gva-in-next-three-years
[11] Morlais. “CfD Success – Morlais.” https://www.morlaisenergy.com/en/news/latest-news/cfd-success-2023-09-12
[12] Edinburgh Innovations. “New Scottish blade a ‘step change’ for tidal energy industry.” https://edinburgh-innovations.ed.ac.uk/news/new-scottish-blade-a-step-change-for-tidal-energy-industry
[13] QED Naval Ltd. LinkedIn Post. September 29, 2022. https://uk.linkedin.com/company/qed-naval-ltd
[14] NIDEC Control Techniques. “NIDEC CONTROL TECHNIQUES LIMITED | NIDEC CORPORATION.” https://www.nidec.com/en/corporate/network/group/nidec-controltechniques/
[15] GOV.UK. “Government sets out plan for new era of clean electricity.” https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-plan-for-new-era-of-clean-electricity
[16] National Grid. “How much of the UK’s energy is renewable?” https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/how-much-uks-energy-renewable
[17] Policy and Innovation Group. “What is the value of innovative offshore renewable energy deployment to the UK.” https://www.policyandinnovationedinburgh.org/what-is-the-value-of-innovative-offshore-renewable-energy-deployment-to-the-uk.html
[18] Water Power Magazine. “Leading the charge in wave and tidal energy innovation.” https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/analysis/leading-the-