CONSERVATION groups have given a mixed response to the government’s plans for harnessing Severn tidal power.

This week the government announced its Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, which included plans to make the South West the first Low Carbon Economic Area and a world centre for wave and tidal energy.

In its proposals the government would give £60 million to develop wave and tidal energy, with £500,000 being invested in innovative schemes.

The strategy also confirmed the shortlist for the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility study, which will include three barrages including the Cardiff to Weston barrage, and two lagoons.

The Severn Estuary has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world and experts claim if harnessed properly it could generate five percent of the country’s electricity supply.

However, conservation groups are concerned about the government’s continuing focus on the larger Cardiff to Weston barrage.

Martin Spray, chief executive of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, said: "WWT sincerely believes that there are projects out there that can deliver clean energy with minimal environmental impact on the ecology of the Severn Estuary.

"We remain concerned that the Cardiff-Weston barrage is still being considered and government hasn't heeded its overwhelming opposition.

"The funding to develop the more innovative projects is very welcome, though concern is that £500,000 isn't enough to realise the potential of these schemes in time for a decision in early 2010."

Martin Harper, head of sustainable development at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said: "This announcement helps level the playing field for the some of the more innovative and potentially less environmentally destructive schemes for the Severn.

"It was hugely disappointing when the official shortlist included schemes like the Cardiff-Weston Barrage, which would devastate the estuary’s wildlife and habitats.

"The Government now appears to accept our view that these innovative schemes should be given every chance to be compared on a like for like basis with those on the shortlist.

"While we expect the study to take longer as a result, we are more hopeful of a decision that makes a real contribution to tackling climate change while doing right by the Severn, its people and wildlife."