Title: Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study
1Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study
2Background to the study
- Terms of reference announced in January 08
- Aim of the study To enable Government to decide
whether it could support a tidal power scheme in
the Severn Estuary and if so on what terms? - Focus is on tidal range technologies as this is
where the main resource of the Estuary lies - Study expected to last 2 years with public
consultation after each phase - Phase 1 (2008) high level issues, scheme
options appraisal, and scope of Strategic
Environmental Assessment and other work - Phase 2 (2009-10) Strategic Environmental
Assessment, and analysis of costs, risks,
benefits and overall impact assessment - Severn tidal power is being considered against
the alternative options for meeting UK goals
including energy saving, nuclear and other
renewable sources
3Why do the study?
- Two key energy imperatives tackling climate
change, and ensuring a secure supply of energy - In helping to meet these challenges, Government
has committed to - Reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by 80 by 2050
- Produce 15 of our UK energy from renewable
resources by 2020 - The huge tidal resources of the Severn Estuary
could make a significant contribution - Providing long term access to a renewable,
indigenous energy resource - Significant CO2 savings annually and contributing
to UKs renewable energy targets - Helping to reduce UKs dependency on imports of
gas - Generating positive economic and employment
benefits - But it has costs, risks and disadvantages as
well that must be factored in to any decision
4Feasibility Study Workstreams
- Environment impacts on biodiversity and
wildlife, flood management, geomorphology, water
quality, landscape, compliance with environmental
legislation - Engineering and Technical options appraisal,
costs, design and construction, grid linkage,
supply chain - Economic financing, ownership, energy market
impacts - Regional impact on economy and society
- Planning and consents regulatory compliance
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
5Map of proposed options
6Progress so far Environmental Impacts
- Scheme would slow the tides high tides behind
it would fall by approx. 1 metre, and low tides
would be higher. - Scheme would reduce designated inter-tidal
areas, displacing protected bird species and
threatening migratory fish. Scale of impact
varies between the different schemes. - Work is underway to assess these impacts and how
far they could be mitigated. Otherwise, they must
be compensated for under environmental
legislation. - A scheme is not likely to affect upstream
fluvial flooding (such as those in Tewkesbury in
2007). Some schemes could help protect against
storm surge flooding from the sea. - Further work is considering the impact of
reduced tides on the suspended sediment in the
water and on water quality. -
7Progress so far Regional Economic Impacts
- Initial assessment completed, focussing on
whether schemes could result in significant
impacts on South West England and Wales - Considered direct and indirect impact of
construction and operation on jobs and regional
economy - Sectors considered include construction,
transport, fishing, tourism, accommodation,
residential and population, land use and planning - Study concluded that there will be gains and
losses for South West England and Wales, but on
balance the picture is likely to be positive - Net benefits are proportionate to scale of the
scheme - Currently scoping the further work that needs to
be done in phase 2
8Proposed shortlist of 5 schemes
- Beachley Barrage
- Bridgwater Bay Lagoon
- Cardiff-Weston Barrage
- Fleming Lagoon
- Shoots Barrage
9Map of proposed shortlist
10Embryonic technologies
- Schemes proposed for the shortlist are those we
believe could be feasible - Some schemes, such as a tidal reef and tidal
fence, are not sufficiently developed for more
detailed analysis, but may be less
environmentally damaging than proven technologies - New 500k fund has been launched by Defra, Welsh
Assembly Government and South West RDA to support
the development of embryonic technologies - Details of scope, funding criteria and timescale
being worked up with partners - Embryonic technologies supported by this
innovative technologies fund will be taken into
account before decisions are taken on whether to
go ahead with a Severn tidal power scheme
11What were doing now The consultation
- Before any decision can be taken on whether or
not to support a Severn tidal power scheme,
there is much more work and evidence gathering to
be done -
- To help inform this further work, a public
consultation was launched on 26 January in
Bristol to seek views on - - the process by which the long-list of schemes
have been short listed - - the proposed short list of schemes for further
investigation - - the issues for further study, including the
scope of the Strategic Environmental
Assessment - Public consultation period is 12 weeks, with the
closing date on 23 April 2009 -
12Whats next?
- Phase 2 (now 2010)
- Further studies on the impact of the various
shortlisted schemes, including work on supply
chain, impact on energy markets and grid studies,
costs and engineering aspects, financing options,
impact on regional economies, and an SEA on the
environment and social impacts. - Examine shortlisted schemes compliance with
environmental legislation and suggest ways in
which adverse environmental effects could be
mitigated or compensated for. - 2010
- Second public consultation on the evidence
gathered and analysis done, in order to inform
the decision to proceed, the terms of proceeding,
and a single preferred option. - Embryonic technologies supported by the
innovative technologies fund will be considered
again at this stage.
13Further Information
General information on the study can be found
at www.decc.gov.uk/severntidalpower To read and
download the evidence gathered in phase 1 and to
take part in the consultation
http//severntidalpowerconsultation.decc.gov.uk T
o contact the central team within DECC
severntidalpowerunit_at_decc.gsi.gov.uk