Political will

Thursday was 19 miles from Lynemouth to Whitley Bay, assisted by a nice breeze and occasional sun. Half-way through the day we passed through Blyth and made a brief stop at the 'New and Renewable Energy Centre', a not-for-profit organisation supporting the development of wave, wind and solar power.

I joined Chira, our marcher from the Democratic Republic of Congo, in talking to Andrew Mill of the Centre about renewable technologies. Andrew talked us through current issues, such as the fact there are around 80 different designs of wave and tidal energy systems currently being developed. The limited government funding for them is spread across many technologies, and so none are given the support they need to be made viable.

I asked why the government doesn't just support a few designs, but apparently the government does not want to be seen to 'pick a winner' rather than the best design emerging from 'the market'. I suspect if we wait for the market we'll be waiting a long time. And we know that time is one thing we don't have.

Having also spoken about the potential of wind and solar energy, Andrew told us: "These technologies are all possible. It is the political will which is needed."

Distance covered so far: 256 miles
Highest roadkill in one day: 26