1. Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study

2. Background 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 ( ): 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

3. Why 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 UK’s renewable energy targets
Helping to reduce UK’s 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

4. Feasibility 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

5. Map of proposed options

6. Environmental Impacts
Progress 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.

7. Regional Economic Impacts
Progress 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

8. Proposed shortlist of 5 schemes
Beachley Barrage
Bridgwater Bay Lagoon
Cardiff-Weston Barrage
Fleming Lagoon
Shoots Barrage

9. Map of proposed shortlist

10. Embryonic 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

11. What we’re 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

12. What’s 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.

13. Further Information General information on the study can be found at:
To read and download the evidence gathered in phase 1 and to take part in the consultation:
To contact the central team within DECC: