Green group supports Lib Dems' Severn tidal power proposals

The Liberal Democrats' Tidal Solution report has rejected proposals for a large Cardiff to Weston barrage. The report published today instead supports a number of alternative tidal power projects in the Severn Estuary.

The conclusions of the Lib Dems' report have been welcomed by Friends of the Earth Cymru.

Neil Crumpton, energy specialist at Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:

"We welcome this sensible rejection of the Cardiff-Weston barrage, and the support of some far better projects. The Liberal Democrat tidal forum has looked properly at the best options for harnessing Severn tidal power, and has rightly realised that a large barrage is the worst possible solution.

"It would be a highly risky project, financially and environmentally - and it wouldn't be able to deliver the clean energy we so desperately need for about 20 years.

"Friends of the Earth Cymru are pleased the Lib Dem group is calling for a lagoon pilot project. Such a pilot scheme could lead to more large land-connected or offshore lagoon schemes.

"The study also supports a tidal scheme in the Shoots area close to the second Severn crossing. A project here - be it barrage or 'reef' - would have greatly reduced environmental impact, wouldn't impede shipping into Bristol port, and by carrying a fast new railway could be a stunning gateway to south Wales."

"All of the study's tidal power suggestions are better options than a large Cardiff-Weston barrage, which needs to be recognised for the tidal white elephant it is."

For further information please contact Friends of the Earth Cymru on 029 2022 9577