File on 4 Investigates - Changing Tides: Can the UK keep its renewable energy promises?

Download Changing Tides: Can the UK keep its renewable energy promises?

The world's first tidal lagoon power station in Wales, which was in the Conservative manifesto, has stalled, as the government seems to be baulking at the price. The Swansea Bay lagoon, and five more that would follow around the country, would generate as much electricity as Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. But does the government's commitment to the wave of new nuclear threaten the future of renewable energy in the UK?

Jane Deith hears about the options the government's considered to meet an EU target of providing 15% of energy from renewables by 2020. Does the answer lie in buying in renewable power from Norway, or 'credit transfers' from countries who've hit their targets? Or does the commitment need to renegotiated completely?

With growing pressure to keep a lid on bills, will renewables come second to economic interests?

Reporter: Jane Deith
Producer: Rob Cave.

Published on Tuesday, 18th October 2016.

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