When will the tide turn for our energy needs

The United Kingdom possesses more renewable generation opportunities than many other countries, principally wind power, but to a lesser extent tidal and wave power. While traditional power generation using fossil fuel technology can be sited in industrial areas, renewable technologies tend to be available only away from major population centres, or in areas where installations can cause detriment to the local environment. Most of the controversy has so far been focused on wind power and the visual intrusion that turbines can have on highland or coastal areas.

While wind power has had the lion's share of coverage, attention has now switched to the Severn estuary and a plan to install a huge tidal barrage between South Wales and the Somerset coast. If built, this could bring up to five per cent of the UK's power needs, enough, perhaps, for the whole of the South-West Region. This would be truly renewable and sustainable energy that would never run out. The barrage could also fulfil a transport need by potentially creating another road or rail crossing between England and Wales. With tidal ranges on the River Severn among the largest in the world, it is easy to see why this is an attractive proposition. However, with a possible 14 billion price tag, the facility wouldn't come cheap and some commentators have questioned whether this facility would be the best use of the opportunity.

The Severn estuary is a nationally important wildlife habitat and construction of a barrage across the full width of the river is likely to cause huge environmental impacts.

Environmental groups have criticised the scheme, suggesting that bird and fish life could be irrevocably damaged. Notwithstanding the damage to the river, the National Trust also opposes the scheme on the basis that Brean Down, the Somerset end of the barrage, is their property and a heavily protected shore environment. Critics of the scheme have suggested that a less environmentally damaging "tidal lagoon" scheme would be better placed to harness the power of the tides in the estuary. Although these would be smaller in scale, the aggregate value of the individual schemes would be greater than building the barrage.

Despite the opposition, the government are keen to demonstrate their commitment to tackling climate change and future energy needs and are pressing ahead with a feasibility scheme for the barrage. At this stage there appears to be no appetite for several smaller-scale schemes, but it will be interesting to see whether the investment of several million pounds into the feasibility study will curb enthusiasm for the 'mega-structure' or give it the thumbs up.

Paul Willis

Adur and Worthing Councils