3.5.46 All forms of renewable energy generation are increasingly important as globally, nationally and locally, mitigation and adaption measures are needed to combat climate change. According to the Canal and River Trust the water flowing through the UK's waterways contains enough energy to produce approximately 640 MW of energy.

3.5.47 Gloucester benefits both from a major river and a broad canal running through parts of the city. Through the use of heat exchange technologies there is the potential for significant benefits in terms of the heating and cooling of existing or future buildings. All applications proposing any water generated renewable energy generation (be this for heating, cooling or electricity generation) should consult with the Canal & River Trust and Natural England.

3.5.48 Development that may have direct and indirect impacts on watercourses used by the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Ramsar species, which will be subject to a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).