Tidal Power Study an Essential First Step

12.00.00am GMT Tue 22nd Jan 2008

Commenting on the Government's release of details of a feasibility study to look at the costs and benefits of different tidal technologies that could be deployed in the Severn Estuary, Jenny Willott MP said:

"This is the first real step on the way to establishing tidal power in the Severn Estuary, one of the largest single sources of renewable energy in the world.

"The Government has dithered over tidal power for long enough. It has taken the Government four months to come forward with the details of this study. Further delays must not now occur.

"John Hutton must be careful not to pre-empt the outcome of the study by talking up a barrage over other options before they have been given a fair crack of the whip.

"The Government must demonstrate that this study and consultation process will not be a repeat performance of the nuclear consultation. It must be fair, honest and robust. Only then will we know for sure which tidal technology is best suited to the Estuary."