Hydropower’s reliability makes it an invaluable tool in the fight against the climate crisis, Bath MP tells Parliament

7 December 2022

Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, told Parliament in a Westminster Hall Debate on 7th December that the Government must properly promote and support hydropower in order to reach Net Zero. The Government gave £13.6 billion to fossil fuel companies in subsidies and tax breaks from 2016-2020 yet has done little to promote a growth in the hydropower industry despite having the second highest tidal range in the world in Swansea.

Mrs Hobhouse was keen to bring up the community energy benefits of hydropower. It would give communities in rural areas on the coast and by rivers, away from the national grid, the opportunity to use renewable energy, the most popular and cheapest form of energy. Community energy projects have showcased themselves to be extremely successful. In Bath for example, Bath and West Community Energy has installed 13MW of renewable energy, enough to power nearly 4,500 homes. The project has distributed nearly £300,000 back into the community.

The British Hydropower Association said grid capacity is now the biggest issue holding back renewable energy development in the UK. The community energy benefits of this type of energy production would offset this issue for rural communities.

The dependability of tidal power, not having to wait for the sun to shine or the wind to blow, also gives it a unique importance in the move to Net Zero. That dependable power means we would not have to worry about demand surges on overcast or non-windy days. The economy as a whole would also benefit with 14,000 jobs there to be created if the Government invests properly in projects.

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat Climate and Energy Spokesperson and Bath MP, commented:

“United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was right to say the world is on a “highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator”. This Government has proven to be asleep at the wheel in taking the action needed to combat the climate threat. They must do more to encourage renewable projects to thrive if we are to meet our net zero targets.

“Hydropower can be one of these areas the Government turns into a thriving industry. An industry with 14,000 jobs just waiting there to be created. It is a win-win, but as usual the Government refuses to recognise the crisis ahead of us and their mismanagement of the economy means they refuse to do anything meaningful with investment.”