Stephen's views on the Severn Barrage
I have recently put forward a report, along with fellow Liberal Democrat MPs, Welsh Assembly Members and councillors from both sides of the estuary, urging ministers to seriously consider the prospect of a Severn Barrage. The report rejects the previously proposed large-scale and environmentally harmful barrage between Weston and Penarth, opting instead for a shorter barrage roughly adjacent to the existing Severn road crossings. The barrage would generate up to 5% of the UK's electricity needs from the ebb and flow of the tides.
The Severn Barrage would be a green and clean way of generating 2000 Mega Watts of electricity - equivalent to 3 nuclear power stations or 10 million tonnes of coal. This would contribute enormously to meeting our targets on carbon dioxide emissions and therefore should be looked at carefully. There are possible issues surrounding cost and the effect on wildlife, but these need to be considered in light of the global threats we now face.
Unlike other renewable energy like solar and wind power, tidal power is completely predictable and therefore a very reliable energy source. Even when the tide does not coincide with peak demand, because we would know when to expect it the energy could be stored in some form elsewhere.
I recall the huge local controversy when the new nuclear power station was opened at Hinkley Point. I'm fearful that the Labour Government will push for a new generation of nuclear stations, rather than investing in renewables. This motion sends a strong message about the commitment of the Liberal Democrats to finding sustainable energy solutions. The barrage could be built in a relatively short timescale and would make a major contribution to our 2020 carbon reduction targets.
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