1. Severn Tidal Power Sustainable Development and Severn Tidal Power
7 March 2009
Peter Kydd
Director of Strategic Consulting
Parsons Brinckerhoff

2. Severn Tidal Power Context
Why is Severn Tidal Power being studied?
Security of Supply
tidal power is predictable
15% EU target for renewable energy by 2020
Severn tidal power costs are less than those required to achieve the corresponding electricity target of 32%
80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050
requires all electricity to be carbon free by 2030

3. Sustainable Development Definition
1987:"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Our Common Future
1994: "Sustainable development is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come." UK government

4. Triple Bottom Line SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
THE OBJECTIVE:
To achieve the best balance between economic, environmental and social benefits and impacts
ECONOMIC
SOCIAL
ENVIRONMENT

5. Key points in a sustainable context
Economics
Higher Energy Costs than current electricity but predictable and renewable, lasts for 120 years
How much energy to extract? The greater the energy extraction, the greater the impacts.
How much to invest in one project? £30bn, £20bn, £5bn, £2bn
Contributes to UK Government 80% reduction of carbon emissions by 2050.
More Employment but also some losses also if ports are adversely affected

6. Key points in a sustainable context
Environment
Potential for large scale low carbon generation in one location
Displaces carbon emissions from other power stations
Night time energy could be used for electric cars?
Major impact on natural environment – potential loss of habitats / species, requiring significant mitigation / compensation
Reduced tidal range, water quality changes

7. Key points in a sustainable context
Social
Flood Defence – barrages offer protection from surges and sea level rise but existing land drainage would require modification
Impact of large transient construction labour force?
Impact on Ports and associated local employment?
Potential benefits – leisure, tourism, transport links?

8. Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study
All Engineering and SEA Reports are available on the public consultation web-site.