[Photo credit: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority / Freia Turland.]
That long talked about tidal energy barrier in the Severn Estuary will rear its persistent head again when the West of England Mayor and council leaders meet later this month.
They will hear details of how £2.4 million is set to be invested in clean energy, climate, and nature efforts, as the environment remains a key priority for the West.
Proposals being considered by the Mayor and council leaders at their next meeting on 27 March include:
- £1.3 million to develop clean energy proposals including for tidal energy on the Severn Estuary in partnership with Cardiff Capital Region, and to deliver community clean energy projects and retrofit improvements for low-income households
- Almost £750,000 to work with the West of England Nature Partnership, produce the first regional Wildlife Index and State of Nature report, and develop a pipeline of investable projects that support nature recovery
- More than £200,000 to support the Avon Riversides 2100 strategy and flood protection schemes, while embedding climate risk management into decision-making across the region
- Over £150,000 to support clean energy infrastructure for festivals and live events, working with partners including Act 1.5
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“People across the West care deeply about our planet. Powering our present and our future with clean energy, supporting nature recovery, cutting pollution, and preparing for increasingly extreme weather are not nice-to-haves. These things are essential for our future, which is why our ten-year Growth Strategy has a green thread running through it.
“Seizing the opportunity offered by the Severn Estuary has long been talked about and together we are ambitious about delivering the first tidal lagoon there. The world’s second biggest tidal range can play a huge part in a greener future for people here in the West of England and beyond.”
Councillor Kevin Guy, Deputy Mayor of the West of England and Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, added:
“We want to see sustainable growth in our region which also supports nature recovery and benefits our environment and wellbeing. This is welcome investment across the region which also supports two plans we have just launched in B&NES providing a clear and co-ordinated programme to deliver high-quality, inclusive green infrastructure for parks, rivers, woodlands, natural habitats and public spaces.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:
“This investment will make a real difference for people in Bristol by helping to make homes cheaper to heat, improving long‑term flood protection for our city through the Avon Riversides 2100 plan, and supporting the clean air and nature recovery that matter for the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“Bristol is recognised for its climate leadership from community‑led energy projects to innovation in our universities and now the implementation of cleaner power at festivals and major events. Investing in this transition will help us be better prepared, strengthening resilience and lowering costs to secure Bristol’s future.”
Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment said:
“We warmly welcome WECA’s £2.4 million investment in clean energy, climate and nature initiatives. Funding for alternative energy is vital to strengthening our long‑term resilience and ensuring reliable, secure energy for homes and businesses.
“Many of our coastal communities face significant flood risk, so support to improve natural flood management, boost preparedness and build stronger climate resilience is especially important. This targeted investment will deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits, helping our rural and coastal communities remain safe, resilient and thriving for years to come.”
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“£2.4 million is set to be invested in clean energy, climate resilience, and efforts to restore and improve our natural environment, which are key priorities for South Gloucestershire.”
