10 options for Severn Estuary tidal generation under assessment
In January 2008 the UK Government announced a feasibility study for a Severn Estuary tidal power facility, which has full support from the Welsh Assembly Government.
If it is approved in 2010, a £14 billion, 8500 MW barrage could generate up to 5% of the UK’s electricity needs.
However, the barrage is just one of ten schemes being considered by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), in the context of the EU’s wider climate and energy goals – which includes a commitment to sourcing 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 – as well as costs and environmental impacts.
The potential schemes include:
- An outer barrage from Minehead to Aberthaw – the largest of the proposed schemes that would make maximum use of the Severn Estuary tidal resource.
- A middle barrage from Brean Down to Lavernock Point.
- A tidal fence barrier constructed over part of the proposed Cardiff to Weston barrage, incorporating tidal stream turbines to capture energy from the ebb and flood tides.
- Tidal lagoons or reefs.
- The Severn Lake Scheme – a 1km-wide barrage incorporating features including a wave farm on the seaward side and four marinas.
Assessment (SEA) of the proposed schemes, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers is assessing options for ownership, finance and potential Government support.
The first public consultation on the scope of the SEA and the shortlisted schemes is expected to happen between January and April 2009. Further updates will be available here.
The concept of a barrage across the Severn Estuary was first proposed in 1849. Today, many Wales-based companies are developing the turbine technology that could make the 10-mile barrage a reality.
