Tidal power: the very definition of resilience

An excellent letter in the Financial Times was published on 26th November.

Letter: Tidal power: the very definition of resilience

Your article “Tidal power would raise bills, says study” (Report, October 22) offers an incomplete
analysis of the case for tidal range, based on the modelling conducted by the state-owned National Energy System Operator.

The apparent “extra cost” arises not from the technology, but from the contracts for difference (CFD) design: any technology that lowers wholesale prices will appear to raise costs under the current CFD framework, which pays a subsidy when the market price falls below the agreed strike price.

Tidal range is not simply an energy project; it is a strategic national infrastructure. It provides flood protection, supports coastal regeneration and offers predictable, timetabled power, the very definition of resilience, which we urgently need to design and build into our systems.

The real question is why does the UK, as an island nation, holder of the world’s best tidal resources, still refuse to capitalise on one of our greatest natural resources?

Kate Gilmartin
CEO of the British Hydropower Association and convener of the Tidal Range Alliance