07 September 2008
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
 
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Tidal Power: Severn Estuary

The tidal energy resource in the Severn Estuary provides the largest potential of all the UK’s estuaries for renewable electricity generation. Previous studies indicate that up to 5% of the UK’s electricity demand could be met by harnessing the tidal energy that exists within the estuary.

At the time of the last Energy Review the Government commissioned the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), the Government's independent advisory body on sustainable development, to carry out a major study looking at the issues arising on tidal power, with a particular focus on the Severn estuary. Their study Turning the Tide: Tidal Power in the UK concluded that a Severn Barrage or other tidal power project could be built within the principles of sustainable development, subject to conditions including meeting the requirements of environmental protection legislation.  The study and more information on Tidal Power can be found on the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC): Tidal Power webpage.

Following the SDC report BERR is now undertaking a two year study looking at the feasibility of a tidal power scheme in the Severn Estuary. More information on what the study will cover is available from the Terms of Reference, and High Level Work Plan which were published on 22 January, both of which are available below:

The Severn Estuary is of National, European and International nature conservation significance. Before any project(s) could proceed we must make sure we understand all the environmental, social and economic impacts. The feasibility study aims to enable us to do this and then decide whether and, if so, on what terms Government could support a project(s).

A common question and answer information sheet is available to view below:

and you can contact the BERR team at severntidalpowerunit@berr.gsi.gov.uk

Further information about the study and how you can get involved will be published on this website shortly.

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