U.K. set to take lead in marine energy

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EDINBURGH, Scotland, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The United Kingdom could be the world's leading exporter of wave and tidal power if there's a sea change in the way energy is viewed, a report concluded.

A report from the British Parliament found the United Kingdom could become the world leader in exports of wave and tidal power if London adopts a "more visionary" approach to marine energy.

The region is the world leader in marine renewable technology, hosting seven of the eight prototype marine power devices.

"It is also a sector driven by relentless innovation in business practices," said British Energy Minister Charles Hendry from Edinburgh. "To meet these challenges investment alone is not enough but changing our behavior toward the usage of energy will be at least as important."

Per Hornung Pedersen, chief executive of Scotland's Pelamis Wave Power, said the parliamentary report is a wake-up call to the industry.

"It clearly recognizes the major potential of wave and tidal energy and underlines the need for continued support from the U.K. and Scottish governments to accelerate investment in the sector," he said in a statement.

The report warns policy makers not to be too cautious in the renewable energy sector because that would allow more aggressive countries to take the region's clean-energy lead.