Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study Background to the

Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study

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 (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

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 CO 2 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

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

Map of proposed options

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.

Progress so far… Regional Economic Impacts • Initial assessment completed, focussing on whether schemes could result in significant impacts on South West England 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 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

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

Map of proposed shortlist

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 £ 500 k 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

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

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 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.

Further Information General information on the study can be found at: www. decc. gov. uk/energy/severntidalpower To read and download the evidence gathered in phase 1 and to take part in the consultation: http: //severntidalpowerconsultation. decc. gov. uk To contact the central team within DECC: severntidalpowerunit@decc. gsi. gov. uk