Mick Bates AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Environment, today urges the Welsh Assembly to ‘ride the crest of the wave’ as the Sustainable Development Commission report opens the way for the UK to explore opportunities presented by tidal technologies:

“I support the need to harness the huge potential for renewable energy generation that the Severn Estuary offers.  I am pleased that the report recognises the range of different tidal technologies that are available and I commend the SDC for remaining open minded and considering all options.

“I am also pleased that the report highlights that development of a barrage must not divert Government discussion away from the need for wider action now on climate change.  This is vitally important.

“Let’s be courageous now and truly help future generations - we must develop and strengthen our existing renewable technologies as well as considering new options for energy generation.  I hope that we can make real progress and we are not still debating a Severn barrage in fifty years time.

“Wales does have the potential to benefit greatly from the opportunities offered by wave and tidal power and we have the technologies that we need to exploit these resources.  We are lagging far behind in terms of our renewable energy targets - I urge the Assembly Government to take serious note of this report and act now to develop a long term plan that makes the most of our expansive coastline and the huge marine energy resource that Wales has to offer. 

“I am also pleased that the report recognises the vitally important conservation arguments as it demands compliance with European legislation on habitats.  The best route forward to harnessing the power of the Estuary is one which takes into account all positive and negative impacts that any development may have, before deciding which is the best possible choice.

“The way towards a greener horizon demands investment in a wide portfolio of renewable energy sources.  The report today is an important step in opening up new debate on the way forward to building a sustainable low carbon economy for the future.”

End / Diwedd