A LEADING Bristol-based wind turbine firm has welcomed Government backing to explore new ways of harnessing tidal power.

A new £500,000 fund was announced last week to help small businesses develop their ideas to generate electricity from the River Severn's tidal power.

Wind Prospect, which is based in Clifton, is one of the leaders in the field of developing wind turbine sites in Britain and around the world.

They have recently moved into the field of using tidal and wave power as a source of "green" electricity.

Development director Richard Barker said: "Britain has a substantial renewable energy resource, so it makes sense to explore new technologies that could contribute to our security of energy supply, whilst offsetting the dangerous impacts of climate change."

The new fund has been set up jointly by the Government and the Welsh Assembly to develop ideas such as a barrage, tidal reef or fence.

Firms are encouraged to bid for grants from the fund which they can use to move their ideas from the drawing board to working schemes.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Mike O'Brien said: "This funding will help us understand the potential of these emerging ideas and whether, and how long, we would have to wait for them to come to fruition.

"The Severn Estuary has massive potential to help achieve our climate change and renewable energy targets.

"So far, our consultation on a proposed shortlist of five schemes has received more than 400 responses.

"As well as the shortlist, I am keen to keep innovative options on the table. That's why we are inviting companies to bid for a share of the funds to accelerate progress."

A public consultation is underway on a proposed shortlist of schemes to generate clean, green electricity from the power of the tides in the Severn Estuary.

The Government has made clear it will consider the progress of embryonic technologies before any decisions are taken on whether to support a Severn tidal power scheme.