Scottish Renewables is urging ministers to set out a clear commitment to tidal stream energy in the forthcoming Programme for Government, arguing that a dedicated policy statement is needed to unlock investment, speed deployment and underpin Scotland's energy transition.

The industry body says the new Scottish Government should publish a stand-alone tidal stream policy, designed to boost investor confidence and remove barriers that are slowing commercial roll-out.

It describes the next 12 months as pivotal, with developers seeking to advance projects and capture the significant economic opportunity highlighted in recent research from the University of Edinburgh.

Rising demand on planning and consenting is placing mounting pressure on regulators and key advisory organisations, Scottish Renewables warns, underscoring the need for a coordinated policy framework to support commercialisation.

A dedicated statement would formalise government backing for tidal stream and recognise its importance to economic growth, the body says. It has issued an open letter calling on ministers to include a commitment to tidal stream in the Programme for Government.

Commenting on the letter sent to Stephen Gethins MSP, the Scottish Government's Minister for Energy, Colin Palmer, Director of Offshore at Scottish Renewables, said: "We have worked with our members to identify the biggest challenges facing the tidal stream sector and explored how these can be resolved to ensure this technology fulfils its potential to play a vital role in the UK's future energy system.

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"The new Scottish Government has an opportunity at the start of this parliamentary session to strengthen its position on tidal stream by taking swift and positive action to deliver a vision that points to how this technology can achieve commercial-scale deployment.

"As a predictable source of clean power, with a strong track record of supporting local supply chains and jobs, tidal stream has considerable potential for growth. It is vital that the sector is given the confidence it needs to accelerate the delivery of these projects."

University of Edinburgh analysis published last year estimates tidal stream could deliver £4.5 billion in Gross Value Added for Scotland, with a further £11.4 billion from international projects if the country leverages its extensive tidal resource. Up to 22,500 jobs could be created in Scotland by 2050.

The sector has already built deep domestic capability, with supply chains reported to be 80% UK-based and 50% Scottish-based. Orbital Marine Power, MeyGen and Nova Innovation are progressing projects totalling more than 300MW in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

Eileen Linklater, Director of Corporate Affairs at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, which provides purpose-built open-sea testing facilities, said: "Scotland has a unique opportunity to capitalise on its global leadership position in tidal stream energy.

"As a highly predictable and reliable source of power, tidal is complementary to other renewables, helping to balance the energy system as we deploy more intermittent generation. As the world's leading test centre for marine energy, EMEC has hosted a range of demonstration projects, proving this technology at scale. With the right policy framework now, we can accelerate its transition into a dependable, commercial part of Scotland's energy mix.

"A clear commitment from the Scottish Government would send a powerful signal to investors that Scotland is serious about turning its world-leading innovation into a globally competitive industry. We are already seeing the benefits flowing into communities through high-value jobs, local supply chains and long-term economic opportunities.

"With consistent policy support, Scotland can capture even greater value at home while exporting its expertise worldwide."