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Energy: Severn Barrage

Answer

Since March 2006, we have completed an energy review and published our energy White Paper. The context in which we need to meet our two long-term energy challenges of tackling climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy is evolving. In particular, there is the growing evidence of climate change, rising fossil fuel prices and our heightened awareness of risks arising from the concentration of the world’s remaining oil and gas reserves in fewer regions around the world. It is against this background that the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) working together with my department, the Welsh Assembly Government, the devolved Administrations and the South West Regional Development Agency, is undertaking a study of tidal power in the UK. The study is looking in some detail at the issues arising on tidal power and will provide a strategic, independent and evidence-based consideration of all the environmental, social and economic aspects of options for tidal power in the Severn estuary from a sustainable development perspective. The final report is expected to be published in September and further details of the study can be seen at www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/tidal.html. The Severn barrage is a complex scheme and any assessment of its viability would not rest solely on its economics. Whether or not the position has altered since my noble friend made his comments is something that the SDC’s report should help us better understand.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

4927; 694 c144-5WA

Session

2006-07

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Energy: Future Marine Energy
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Energy: Future Marine Energy
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Notes

Answer received between Monday 30 July and Friday 3 August 2007.

Subjects

Tidal power River Severn

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk