UK Launches Marine Energy Task Force to Unleash Potential of Tidal and Wave Technologies

On May 8, the UK took a bold step toward revolutionising its marine energy sector, unveiling a new Marine Energy Task Force to unlock the full potential of tidal and wave technologies nationwide. Announced by Michael Shanks MP, the

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the task force will unite key industry players to tackle deployment barriers, map the investment landscape, and craft a strategic roadmap to push marine energy forward.

“I’m pleased to announce that an industry-led Marine Energy Task Force is being assembled to consider marine energy deployment throughout the UK,” said Minister Shanks. “Its key outcome will be the delivery of a strategic roadmap, including recommendations for removing barriers, along with estimates of the investment required to deliver the UK’s marine energy potential.”

Shanks also drew attention to the significant strides Wales has already made in this arena, having secured £292 million in investments and fostered 429 full-time jobs. The task force will collaborate closely with the Marine Energy Council, the UK’s leading trade body for tidal and wave energy, to publish findings and shape policies to guide the sector's growth.

The push for tidal stream energy is well underway, with an expected 130 MW capacity by 2029, primarily driven by recent Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds. Meanwhile, wave energy continues to benefit from crucial R&D funding, inching closer to long-term commercial viability.

Jay Sheppard, Project Manager, Marine Energy Wales, commented on the announcement: “The formation of the Marine Energy Task Force marks a critical step in turning ambition into action. For too long, the potential of our marine resources has been acknowledged but underutilised.

“This task force brings together the right expertise to chart a credible, coordinated path forward – one that addresses real-world barriers, unlocks private investment, and ensures that the benefits of marine energy are felt in coastal communities across the UK. It’s a moment of clarity and commitment for a sector ready to scale.”

Minister Shanks also reiterated support for floating offshore wind, as the Celtic Sea leasing Round 5 enters its final stages. This latest initiative builds on the shared commitments from the First Minister and the Secretary of State to strengthen ties between governments and accelerate tidal energy technology across Wales and the UK.