Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK's tidal power prospects; and whether they have plans to meet Dr Robert Kirby, former Senior Visiting Fellow at the National Oceanography Centre, to discuss what contribution tidal barrages could make to the UK's energy security and net-zero goals.

The Government undertook a detailed review of the strategic value of a tidal barrage in the Severn – The Severn Tidal Power study – which reported in 2010. Due to the significant costs, environmental and economic impacts, the study concluded that there was no strategic case for a publicly-funded Severn Tidal barrage.

The Government remains open to considering well-developed proposals for harnessing tidal range energy, including barrage schemes and other alternatives.

Dr Kirkby may wish to write to my office and set out the issues he would like to explore in discussion.