New SEA ''could help Welsh renewable energy plans''

Posted by Andrew Marshall.

The renewable energy ambitions of Welsh ministers might be supported with the launch of a new Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) relating to wave and tidal power, the country''s environment minister has suggested.

Jane Davidson of the Welsh Assembly government feels that the SEA, which will apply to both England and Wales, could lead to further progress when it comes to the development of low carbon energy resources.

She stated that the introduction of the SEA ''marks a significant step forward, moving us closer towards harnessing the vast potential energy from our seas and securing a renewable and low carbon energy supply for Wales and the UK''.

Meanwhile, Ms Davidson also pointed out that data relating specifically to Wales has already been gathered and this will feed into the new SEA.

David Kidney, the UK government''s energy and climate change minister, launched the wave and tidal power SEA earlier this month.