On Monday the Sustainable Development Commission will release its report on tidal power across the UK.
In the wake of a government announcement last Tuesday, it is widely expected that the SDC will recommend further detailed appraisal of a Severn Barrage project. Greenpeace has long supported renewable energy, including getting power from the tides if the environmental impacts can be minimised.
John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK, said:
"Tidal power can provide the UK with a tremendous amount of energy along with other marine renewables like wave power. And, importantly, it can do so without creating dangerous climate change emissions or nuclear waste. The Severn barrage could be a huge resource of carbon free energy, but the jury's still out on the best way to reap the tidal power of the river without having huge environmental impacts on wading birds.
"Offshore wind, as a cheaper option, should also be much higher up the government's priority list. The UK has about 40% of Europe's wind resource which could be harnessed to meet our demand for energy. For example the London Array, in the Thames estuary, will supply 750,000 homes in London at a cost of around £1.5 billion."
For more information contact the Greenpeace Press Office on 0207 865 8255
