Big step forward for plan for world's first tidal range lagoon in Severn Estuary
Big step forward for plan for world's first tidal range lagoon in Severn Estuary
There are hopes to make Wales 'a world centre for emerging tidal technologies' with a report suggesting a lagoon could supply up to 7% of the country's current electricity
The Prince of Wales bridge
(Image: John Myers )
The world's first tidal range lagoon has taken a huge step forward, after being backed by a major commission report. The proposal, recommended by the Severn Estuary Commission, aims to harness the immense tidal range of the estuary to produce predictable, low-carbon electricity.
The project, if realised, would help the UK meet its soaring demand for clean energy and stabilise the national grid. The Severn Estuary Commission's report brought together figures from engineering, industry, environmental science and trade unions to assess the best renewable option for the area.
Its findings point clearly to a tidal lagoon as the optimal solution balancing green energy output, environmental concerns, and economic activity, including the protection of commercial operations at the Port of Bristol. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
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Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter welcomed the report and called for urgent government support to turn the recommendation into reality, Bristol Live reports.
Mr Slaughter said: "With the second largest tidal range in the world, we have a unique chance to spearhead this technology for the world. This is something Wales Green Party has long campaigned for.
"Too often industry in Wales has been extractive, with profits shipped elsewhere.
"This gives us the chance to focus on research and development, and anchor excellent quality jobs here in Wales and neighbouring English regions."
Cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans MS, wrote: 'We want to make Wales a world centre for emerging tidal technologies, and the Severn Estuary is a source of immense potential energy as one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.
"I welcome the work of the Severn Estuary Commission and I look forward to working with the UK Government and the Western Gateway to make sure that we can harness its potential whilst also protecting this unique asset."
As part of its key findings, the Severn Estuary Commission recommendations read: "The Severn Estuary, with its 14m tidal range, is the largest tidal energy resource in the UK. Alone it could supply up to 7% of the country's current electricity, potentially making it a significant part of the solution to the UK's energy needs.
"Given the long planning and development lead times, if it is to contribute to achieving net zero by 2050, then development should start as soon as possible.
"Use of this resource aligns with the Government's strategy to become a 'clean energy superpower', ensuring the availability of reliable, indigenous energy that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and imported energy.
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"As part of a diverse renewable energy mix, tidal range complements offshore wind, solar, and nuclear, enhancing grid stability and energy security."
New Civil Engineer reports how plans for a large barrage across the Severn Estuary were previously put forward in the 1980s but were shelved due to cost and environmental concerns. It adds that, in 2010, they were raised again but then dropped by the UK Government after it decided that low carbon energy could be more easily generated from new nuclear and offshore wind.
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