UK Energy Sources and Cost of Energy

Debate between Lord Anderson of Swansea and Lord Whitehead

Thursday 19th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Anderson of Swansea (Lab)]

My Lords, does the current crisis and the vulnerabilities that have been exposed lead the Government to re-examine the case for tidal power in the UK?

[Lord Whitehead (Lab)]

The noble Lord mentions what is potentially a very effective, long-term and secure method of homegrown energy. As I mentioned in my initial Answer, the long-term way to protect ourselves from these price spikes is to develop homegrown energy. Clearly, tidal range, which has a very stable supply of energy and a not particularly long period of development, could play a role in that process. However, I emphasise that we are very far at the moment from developing tidal range in the way that the noble Lord seeks to promote.