Severn Tidal Power Group

HC Deb 09 July 1986 vol 101 cc191-2W

19. Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he plans to publish the feasibility study of the Severn Tidal Power Group.

Mr. Peter Walker

[pursuant to his reply, 12 May 1986, c. 333]: The Severn Tidal Power Group is publishing its report today, and I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

I am determined that we shall fully explore the possibilities of any energy resource which has the potential to extend the diversity of our energy supplies. No Government have done more to support research into renewable sources, including record spending on wind, geothermal hot dry rocks, and the tidal resource.

Tidal energy is one of our most promising renewble energy resources. The Severn barrage could theoretically provide 5 per cent. of the United Kingdom's current electricity requirement. We must quickly discover the extent to which it is technically viable and could make an economic and significant contribution to electricity supply.

I am therefore delighted to announce that, together with interested parties, my Department is to launch a further programme, costing nearly £5.5 million, aimed at reducing uncertainty on costs, performance, and regional and environmental issues.

This will include: —advanced investigations and site exploration of a Severn barrage on a line near to Cardiff and Weston. My Department, the CEGB, and the Severn Tidal Power Group will share equally the £4.2 million cost; —a grant from my Department of up to £400,000 towards the cost of studies into a Mersey barrage proposed by the Mersey Barrage Company. This will be reduced by the amount of any support received from other sources, such as the European regional development fund. The Merseyside and North Wales electricity Board will be participating in the studies, and the CEGB will also contribute substantial amounts of expertise; —generic studies funded by my Department, including construction techniques and the potential of small sites around the United Kingdom, costing approximately £300,000.

This collaborative programme should reduce uncertainty to the point where it will be possible to make decisions on whether or not to plan for construction.