The contribution which tidal power could make to combating climate change while addressing the future energy needs of Wales will be put under scrutiny in a comprehensive feasibility study, Labour Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister Jane Davidson has announced.

Launching the feasibility study into tidal power in the Severn Estuary, the Minister said:

"Addressing climate change is one of the Welsh Assembly Government’s highest priorities and I am determined that we will do everything we can to secure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.  One of the ways of doing this is to increase the amount of our electricity generated from renewable sources, and harnessing tidal power in the Severn Estuary could provide us with a long-term source of carbon-free electricity for Wales.

"The Sustainable Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales, which I will be launching next month (February), will give us the opportunity to set a lead amongst small nations as it sets out proposals for moving Wales towards self-sufficiency in renewable electricity generation whilst at the same time driving forcefully towards much more energy efficiency.

"To have a chance in tackling climate change we must implement energy-related policies which will allow us to move as quickly as practicable to a low carbon energy economy in Wales. 

"But harnessing the tidal power of the Severn Estuary as part of the future production of renewable energy will not be an easy or straightforward choice. I am very much aware of the Estuary’s environmental importance and the environmental protection legislation which, quite rightly, will need to be taken into account. I am absolutely committed to continuing our open and constructive dialogue with the many organisations and individuals who have an interest in the Severn Estuary."

The feasibility study will be lead by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) with strong support from the Welsh Assembly Government.

The first stage of the study will last until September 2008, and will focus on high-level issues.  If feasibility work continues, phase two will take around a year, and will look at issues addressed in phase one in greater detail.

Following this, if there is Welsh Assembly and UK Government support for a tidal power project, a formal consultation will be held and a decision will be made as to whether the project will go ahead by spring 2010.

Jane Davidson concluded:

"Today we are embarking on what could be a long endeavour.  There is a lot at stake and our assessments must be rigorous and based on sound science. I will be ensuring that the interests Wales, in the widest sense, are fully represented in that process."