Oral - Severn Tidal Power

Addressing climate change is one of the Welsh Assembly Government’s highest priorities, and I am determined that we will do everything we can to secure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. One of the important ways of doing this is to increase the amount of our electricity generated from renewable sources, and, in particular, harnessing the enormous tidal power in the Severn estuary, which, in theory, could provide us with a long-term source of carbon-free electricity.

As I have previously informed the Assembly, I am very much aware of the Severn estuary’s environmental importance and the environmental protection legislation that, quite rightly, will need to be taken fully into account. I am absolutely committed to continuing our open and constructive dialogue with the many organisations and individuals who have an interest in the Severn estuary.

Tomorrow, we expect to see the publication of a wide range of proposals from the European Commission on greenhouse gas emission reductions; the next phase of emissions trading; carbon capture and storage for Europe’s fossil fuel power stations; and meeting the target of 20 per cent of Europe’s energy coming from renewable sources by 2020. The potential for capturing the energy of the Severn barrage, if it can be done within a sustainable development framework, will enable Wales to play a strong role in meeting these vital European-level objectives.

The Severn tidal power feasibility study will be led by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform with strong support from the Welsh Assembly Government. I assure Assembly Members that this study will look at a wide range of options for capturing the energy of the Severn, including various lagoon and barrage configurations. There is no preferred option, and the associated sustainable environment assessment will be as inclusive as is practicable. The first stage of the study will last until September 2008 and will focus on high-level issues. If feasibility work continues, phase two will take about a year and will look at issues addressed in phase one in greater detail. Following this, if there is Welsh Assembly Government and UK Government support for the tidal power project, a formal consultation will be held and a decision will be made as to whether the project will go ahead by spring 2010.

Following the Sustainable Development Commission’s report on the potential for tidal power around the UK, published last October, it has been decided that the high-level issues to be addressed will include cost and financing, ownership of any barrage or lagoon, preferred location and technology, compliance environmental protection legislation, and the impact on energy markets. Today, we are embarking on what could be a long endeavour. There is a great deal at stake and our assessments must be rigorous and based on sound science. I will ensure that the interests of Wales, in the widest sense, are fully represented in that process. As well as extensive public consultation throughout the study, there will be regular meetings of a forum of MEPs, MPs and AMs. I have issued an invitation to all Assembly Members today.