Severn Tidal Power Phase One

The study's first public consultation was held between January and April 2009. The consultation asked for views on:

a recommended shortlist of schemes for more detailed analysis
the scope of the Strategic Environmental Assessment that is being carried out within the feasibility study
the issues the feasibility study is considering and how these are being approached.

The deadline for responses was 23 April 2009 and a total of 734 formal written responses were received. All responses have been analysed carefully and will be taken into account as the feasibility study continues. The study has published a document setting out the main messages received through the consultation and the response to these points, together with a review (by the feasibility study Independent Panel of Technical and Engineering Experts) of some of the detailed responses received on the short-listing process.

The Response document sets out the work the feasibility study will be doing this year. This includes:

High-level analysis of the impact of five schemes, including the massive Cardiff-Weston barrage (commonly known as ‘The Severn Barrage’), two smaller barrages (‘Shoots’ and ‘Beachley’) and two lagoons (one across Bridgwater Bay and one across the Welsh Grounds, roughly between Newport and Caldicot). These schemes remain the only schemes that are potentially technically and economically feasible (i.e. have a realistic chance of being built) at this stage. They will be considered both singly and in combinations where this is possible.
Work to bring forward the development of schemes using embryonic technologies. The schemes being supported with funding are two designs for a tidal fence and a low-head barrage (an environmentally-sensitive fixed barrage).
A feedback loop to excluded schemes, particularly offshore tidal lagoons, as the evidence base develops to see whether new learning suggests they could be feasible for locations in the Severn Estuary.
Further work on regional economic impacts, including a peer review to check methods used and conclusions drawn in the initial study.
A formal Strategic Environmental Assessment of the five options above together with a ‘do nothing’ option covering the environmental, social and regional impacts of each of the schemes. Other schemes, including those using embryonic technologies, will be added to this Assessment if / when they can demonstrate the potential for economic and technical feasibility.
Further work on whether the schemes would be compliant with the environmental legislation covering the Estuary.
Strategic-level examination of whether the UK needs a Severn tidal power scheme, compared with alternative sources of supply.

More information about work this year is available on Work this year web pages.