From Andrew Mercer
Your recent article on the UK’s potential river Severn barrage asserts that “only big projects can deliver big quantities of renewable energy” (18 April, p 32). A big project with less environmental impact than this tidal barrage would be installing solar panels on every roof in the UK.
If energy companies were allowed to install and own micro-generation facilities at or near the point of energy consumption then several issues are addressed by a single measure. No unspoilt land is exploited, power distribution networks can be reduced, and the investment and maintenance costs of micro-generation are not borne by individuals. In addition, greater interaction with production may encourage homeowners to reduce their energy consumption.
From Alan Luff
What seems to be missed in the arguments about the possible Severn barrage is that those who oppose it are going to lose out anyway. If there is a full barrage they will lose their mudflats. If we fail to take on climate change with the biggest schemes possible, sea levels will rise – and they will lose their mudflats.
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Cardiff, UK
Stockholm, Sweden
