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Government backing for tidal power has been welcomed by Bristol’s Green MEP Molly Scott Cato. A government-funded review has come out in favour of the £1.3bn tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay and for developing a network of larger lagoons around the UK. This would likely include Bridgwater in Somerset. Molly said:
“I have visited Tidal Lagoon Power, the company behind the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon, and was very impressed; the project has my full backing.
“Tidal power can play a vital role in our energy transition. It is part of the renewables mix that could deliver at least 100% of the energy needs of the South West. Given the government’s obsession with nuclear power and fracking, it is refreshing to see the Conservatives backing a truly green energy technology”.
Molly also believes that tidal power and other forms of renewable energy have huge potential for creating an industrial renaissance in the South West. Tidal Lagoon Power have pledged to build the turbines for the Swansea tidal lagoon in the South West. Molly said:
“Climate change is the most serious and urgent threat we face as a human community. But tackling this crisis needn’t be onerous. Indeed, on the contrary, it can help our region create skilled green jobs and help the local economy thrive”.
Last November, Molly launched a report exploring how the current 2000 or so Trident-related jobs in and around Devonport in Plymouth could be replaced by green jobs, making use of existing local skills and facilities. She said:
“Devonport Dockyard provides a great example of how skills could be transferred towards creating a new green industrial revolution. The facilities and skills already exist and they could be used to manufacture and service turbines for tidal lagoon and off-shore wind rather than propping up ludicrously expensive weapons of mass destruction.”