Severn Barrage Commission Rules Out Tidal Lagoon Proposal
In a recent development, the Severn Estuary Commission has made a significant decision regarding renewable energy projects in the UK. The commission has ruled out the construction of a massive Severn Barrage, which was projected to generate approximately 7% of the country’s energy requirements. Instead, the commission is backing the idea of developing a series of commercially viable tidal lagoons in the long run. This decision marks a strategic shift in the approach towards harnessing clean energy from the region’s high tidal range.
The Western Gateway Partnership initiated an independent commission last year to evaluate the potential for renewable projects in the Severn Estuary. The Severn Estuary Commission, as part of this initiative, conducted a detailed assessment and concluded that building a tidal barrage at this stage was not advisable due to environmental concerns, legislative obstacles, and potential disruption to ports like Bristol and other commercial activities. The commission now suggests exploring the feasibility of multiple commercial tidal lagoons as a more viable alternative.
The recommendation from the commission emphasises the importance of focusing on a commercially viable demonstration tidal lagoon project as the initial step. The cost of such a project could range from £2bn to £40bn depending on its scale. Additionally, the commission proposes implementing environmental monitoring measures to inform future lagoon projects. With the growing electricity demand in the UK, expected to double by 2050, urgent investments are required to capitalise on the clean tidal energy potential of the Severn Estuary.
Dr Andrew Garrad, the chair of the commission and a prominent figure in the wind energy industry, highlighted the need for coordinated policies by both the UK and Welsh governments. The commission calls for the establishment of a tidal range energy national policy statement to provide a clear policy framework, assure government commitment, build investor confidence, and facilitate public sector investment in environmental research and monitoring. This strategic alignment is deemed crucial for realising the clean energy potential of the Severn Estuary.
The report by the commission, comprising experts from various fields, also advocates for the adoption of regulated asset base (RAB) financing to mitigate risks during the construction phase of the demonstration project. The RAB financing model ensures investors a guaranteed return on investment over the lagoon’s lifespan, with costs recuperated through energy tariffs. This model has been successfully utilised in funding infrastructure projects like the Thames Tideway Tunnel and is considered suitable for large-scale energy ventures.
Moreover, the commission recommends collaborative efforts between the UK and Welsh governments to support the development of a commercially viable tidal lagoon in the Severn Estuary. Such projects are envisioned to not only enhance energy resilience but also foster economic growth, positioning the UK as a global leader in tidal range energy. The commission also stresses the importance of enhancing cross-border cooperation in planning and proposes a public sector-led initial development approach for effective project delivery.
The decision by the Severn Estuary Commission to favour tidal lagoon projects over a large-scale barrage underscores the shifting dynamics in the renewable energy sector. By prioritising environmentally sustainable and economically viable solutions, the commission’s recommendations aim to address the dual challenge of meeting energy demands while combating carbon emissions. The proposed roadmap for the development of tidal lagoons in the Severn Estuary sets the stage for a transformative shift towards clean energy generation in the UK.