Urgent action is needed to harness the UK’s potential for tidal range energy in the Severn estuary but smaller lagoon models should be pursued over a larger dam-like barrage, a panel of experts has said.
The Severn Estuary Commission said that harnessing the energy of the tides in the estuary could deliver predictable, renewable electricity that would work independent of weather conditions.
But it stopped short of recommending a full dam-like barrage across the estuary – an idea that has been floated for many years.
The commission’s chair, Dr Andrew Garrad, who recently received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering in recognition of his role in pioneering development the modern wind energy industry, said: “This last year has been an eye-opening experience for all of us on the commission, understanding the huge potential of this source of renewable energy and also the international environmental importance of the estuary….
