Severn Tidal Power (Paul Harrod)

Severn Tidal Power

September 26, 2009 5:15 AM

Liberal Democrats in Bristol have welcomed news that their party has formally adopted a radical plan to harness the power of the tides in the River Severn. At the party conference in Bournemouth this week, party delegates voted to make the report of the Severn Tidal Forum into official policy.

The Policy endorses the smaller "Shoots" Barrage near the site of the second Severn crossing, but rules out the larger Severn Barrage at Weston Super Mare. It also calls for increasing the Marine Renewables Fund to encourage the development of "innovative" tidal range solutions, and building a pilot "lagoon" in the estuary.

These measures will maximise energy production from the Severn Estuary with the minimum damage to the environment.

Dr Mark Wright, who is Lib Dem prospective MP for Bristol South, was a member of the Severn Tidal Forum and addressed hundreds of delegates at the conference debate to persuade them to vote for the policy.

"I was delighted to urge the party to say yes to this policy. It is both ambitious and deliverable, which given that people have been talking about Severn barrages for over a century is very important!"

"Three years ago I persuaded Bristol Council to back tidal energy in the Severn, so I am glad that I have now helped persuade the Lib Dems to do the same."

Paul Harrod, Lib Dem prospective MP for Bristol Northwest, was also at conference and backed the plans.

"Our proposals would also ensure that Bristol Port's plans for a deep-water container terminal would not be affected. This is a crucial development for Bristol, as it will create jobs and help reduce the amount of freight transported by road."

"I took Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg to the Port earlier this year and emphasised to him how important it was that our policy on Severn Energy complimented regeneration in Avonmouth."

The policy has been backed by environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth, and would see the southwest become the low-carbon energy capital of the UK.

ENDS

Further info:

Report of the Lib Dem Severn Tidal Forum: "A Tidal Solution - The Way Forward"

http://welshlibdems.org.uk/documents/files/A%20Tidal%20Solution%20-%20The%20Way%20Forward.pdf