Turning the Tide: Wave and Tidal Energy’s Moment in the British Isles

The harbour at Kirkwall in Orkney is busy with boats—some ferrying tourists out to view local wildlife, others supporting an altogether more futuristic enterprise.

A few miles offshore, a small cluster of tidal turbines churn steadily beneath the icy waters of the Pentland Firth, their submerged blades spinning methodically in the relentless currents. Along with wave energy converters tested on floating platforms nearby, these devices represent a fresh chapter in the UK’s renewable energy journey. After years of promise and prototypes, wave and tidal energy is finally stepping onto the national stage.

Until recently, marine energy was seen largely as a tantalising but elusive prospect. The UK’s coastal geography, with its strong tides and Atlantic swells, gives it one of the richest marine energy resources in the world. Yet technological, financial, and policy hurdles kept wave and tidal devices on the sidelines while wind and solar surged ahead. In 2025, however, a combination of breakthroughs—improved technology, stable policy support, and new market mechanisms—has turned the tide. Across the British Isles, once-experimental devices are entering small-scale commercial deployment, and marine energy is poised to become an integral part of the UK’s clean power portfolio.

From Prototype to Commercial Reality

The challenge facing wave and tidal developers has always been the harsh environment of the open sea. Harnessing the immense power of the ocean’s currents and waves means building hardware that can endure saltwater corrosion, biofouling by marine organisms, and the punishing forces of storms. Early prototypes often broke down or were too costly to scale up. Over time, however, engineers and researchers have refined their designs. The latest generation of tidal turbines feature stronger materials, streamlined shapes, and more efficient blades. Wave energy converters now rely on robust mooring systems and advanced hydraulic units that can capture energy more effectively from choppy seas.

“We’ve learned a great deal in the last decade,” says Dr. Ellen McKeon, an ocean engineer at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. “Designs have become simpler and more durable. We’ve integrated predictive maintenance systems and made installation easier. The result is that devices can now operate longer between servicing visits, bringing costs down and reliability up.”

These improvements mean that early demonstration projects are evolving into fledgling commercial ventures. Companies like Nova Innovation and Orbital Marine Power have secured contracts to supply electricity to local grids, and a growing pipeline of new projects is seeking permits along the Scottish coastline, in the waters off Wales, and in the Channel Islands. In short, marine energy is moving out of the lab and into the sea on a scale that begins to matter.

Policy and Market Signals in the Right Direction

Even the best technology goes nowhere without supportive policies and viable markets. For a long time, wave and tidal energy languished in the shadow of wind and solar, which enjoyed well-established government incentives. That started to change as policymakers recognised that marine energy offered something unique: predictability. While wind and sunlight can vary dramatically, tides follow a reliable schedule, and wave patterns, though more complex, can be forecast with some accuracy. This steady, predictable output complements the variability of other renewables and helps stabilise the overall energy mix.

The UK government’s recent introduction of dedicated Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions for marine energy has given developers a critical route to market. By guaranteeing a fixed price for the electricity generated, CfDs provide the financial security that investors crave. “This gives wave and tidal companies the confidence to build up supply chains, train local workforces, and plan multiple deployments,” explains McKeon. “It’s turned the UK into a global leader in marine energy again.”

In addition, research grants, tax breaks, and streamlined permitting processes for marine test sites have helped accelerate innovation. The devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, in particular, have championed marine energy as a path to economic renewal in coastal communities, offering additional support to attract companies and investors.

Environmental Considerations and Local Partnerships

Marine energy developers have not had to navigate these waters alone. Environmental groups, marine biologists, and local fishing communities have been deeply involved in the process. One critical concern has been ensuring that tidal turbines and wave converters do not harm marine life. Early fears that spinning blades would injure fish or marine mammals have been addressed through careful environmental impact assessments. Many new designs use slow-moving blades and fish-friendly shapes, and acoustic detectors are installed to monitor cetacean activity.

In some places, marine energy projects have even found unexpected allies among traditional coastal industries. “We were skeptical at first,” admits Dave Donaldson, who has fished in Orkney’s waters for three decades. “We worried turbines might mess up the fish or interfere with our nets. But the developers sat down with us, listened to our concerns, and showed us the data. They adjusted placement to avoid spawning grounds. Now we see it’s a chance to diversify the local economy. Some lads even get off-season work servicing the turbines.”

This kind of dialogue-based approach has helped marine energy devices gain acceptance in communities that rely on the sea for their livelihoods. Academic institutions like the University of Exeter and Heriot-Watt University have partnered with local co-operatives and fisheries to ensure that marine projects align with community interests. By fostering trust and transparency, these partnerships have paved the way for broader social licence—crucial for any energy project’s long-term success.

Envisioning a More Balanced Grid

One of the promises of marine energy is a more balanced and resilient grid. The UK’s energy mix already includes large amounts of wind and solar, and that share will only grow. But as operators know, when the wind lulls or a cloud bank settles in, the grid can become strained, and backup systems—often reliant on fossil fuels—kick in. Marine energy can help smooth these fluctuations. With tidal flows so predictable, grid operators can anticipate exactly when the turbines will generate power. Wave energy, though more variable, still tends to correlate with certain weather patterns, providing some measure of forecastability.

If marine energy achieves a significant scale—something industry insiders believe could happen by the mid-2030s—it could reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fuels and help meet carbon reduction targets more quickly. More than that, these technologies could be exported. With the skills and experience developed through pioneering efforts at home, British companies and researchers could help other coastal countries harness their own marine resources. In time, the UK might become a global hub for marine energy expertise, technology, and manufacturing.

Obstacles and the Road Ahead

Of course, challenges remain. Even as costs come down, marine energy is still more expensive than established renewables. Scaling up production lines, streamlining installation methods, and continuing to innovate on design will be necessary to reach price parity. Policy consistency is also crucial. If CfD auctions waver, or if political winds shift, the delicate momentum could stall.

Yet the mood among marine energy advocates is notably more optimistic than it was just a few years ago. The sector has rallied from setbacks, learned lessons from failures, and capitalised on its unique advantages. As the climate emergency grows more urgent and the UK hunts for every possible edge in decarbonising its economy, wave and tidal energy offers a homegrown solution with both environmental and economic upsides.

A New Chapter for Renewable Britain

Standing on Orkney’s shoreline, you can feel it: a quiet, determined shift in the nation’s energy narrative. With turbines humming beneath the waves and wave converters bobbing at the surface, Britain is embracing an energy source literally at its doorstep. The sea, once seen as a dangerous and unpredictable frontier, is becoming an ally in the quest for cleaner, more reliable power.

In 2025, wave and tidal energy is no longer a distant dream but a living, working part of the UK’s renewable tapestry. The journey is far from over, but the tide has turned, and the momentum is unmistakable. As Britain’s marine energy sector charts a path forward, it does so with the resolve that this time—finally—the ocean’s power will help shape the nation’s future.