ICE Director General, Tom Foulkes, has responded to the Government's announcement on funding for the Severn Barrage.
“While we understand the logic behind the Government’s decision to not provide public funding for the Severn energy project in favour of emerging technologies which can provide long-term export and expansion opportunities, we still strongly believe the Severn has potential that the UK cannot afford to let lie. With the potential to make a massive contribution to plugging our growing energy gap and looming environmental targets, it is very encouraging to see that despite Government’s decision there is still interest from the private sector in delivering it without public funding."
Referring to the Corlan Hafren Ltd study into the Severn barrage he continued:
“This is exactly the type of innovative forward thinking that we need more of if we are to deliver the critical infrastructure the UK needs - in the realm of 400-500bn over the next decade. However Government’s role in this austere environment remains vital, it must help unlock private investment through the provision of a clear long-term road-map, fit for purpose regulatory framework and a democratic, efficient planning system. Reforms such as the soon to be announced National Infrastructure Plan, the national planning statements and the proposed major infrastructure unit are excellent progress, however it is imperative we do not lose momentum to ensure the private sector can confidently deliver the world class infrastructure we need to drive our economic recovery and shift to a low carbon economy.”
For details on the Corlan Hafren study please see the
ICE press release.