THE subsidy for new fossil fuel power stations is an entirely predictable consequence of previous subsidies for solar power and the shutting of coal fired power stations.

Solar power is brilliant for hot sunny climates but it makes little contribution to energy needs on dark, damp winter days in Britain. Something more reliable must fill the gap.

The Paris energy summit concluded with an additional commitment by Europe and America to transfer $100,000,000,000 a year to developing nations.

The US, China and India are free to continue to pollute the planet as they see fit. UK energy policy is irrelevant in the face of other nations’ plans to burn more cheap coal and oil.

Perhaps the Greens should campaign for dams across the Wye and the Usk?

The Wye river tidal basin could be kept full to provide hydro-power at low tide while the Usk could be kept empty to provide energy at high tide.

The combined system would provide an uninterrupted source of electricity without requiring expensive barrages in the Severn Estuary.

But of course, this proposal would be politically contentious and is unlikely to see the light of day.

– David Clarke, Tidenham.