Tidal energy scheme needs support (From Western Telegraph)

Tidal energy scheme needs support

DEAR EDITOR, - The Pembrokeshire branch of CPRW is appalled at last week's news that the county's pioneering tidal energy scheme has been refused funding by the National Assembly Government.

This is the same body that has poured £16 million into the Bluestone project and is proposing to cover substantial landscapes of Wales with 400 foot high wind turbines, also subsidised from the public purse.

Both of these ventures breach the landscape protection normally afforded by the planning system.

Wind power is intermittent and unreliable, while tidal power is a highly predictable and productive form of renewable energy, actively backed by the National Park Authority.

Instead of providing sustainable tidal energy, the marine environment of Pembrokeshire is now set to play host to tankers larger than the ill-fated Sea Empress carrying liquefied natural gas - a fossil fuel.

This gas will also be piped in a 120-kilometre underground pipeline to the gas grid at Aberdulais, with inevitable damage and destruction along its route.

Two new power stations are proposed on the shores of Milford Haven to burn this fossil fuel.

Why can't the Assembly Government live up to its proud boast and fund truly sustainable development, like Pembrokeshire's Tidal Scheme?

Where is its commitment to energy saving and to the installation of domestic solar panels which could lead to a reduction in the demand for energy? Why are new sustainable energy homes the exception and not the rule?

MARY SINCLAIR chairman, Pembrokeshire branch, CPRW Glebe House, Martletwy.