Secretary of State for Business John Hutton has announced that work to examine the feasibility of generating electricity from the Severn Estuary will begin immediately.

A Severn Barrage would harness the power of the Severn Estuary using the proven technology of a hydroelectric dam, but filled by the incoming tide rather than by power flowing downstream.

The project’s potential to provide five per cent of total UK electricity demand from a renewable, British source will be examined alongside the impact on the natural environment, and social and economic aspects as well as the financing. The study will also look at the potential for other UK barrages.

-- Advertisement --

John Hutton said: "The Government will drive forward with delivering a step change in our use of renewable energy and will start work on the feasibility of a Severn Barrage.

“This is a truly visionary project, unparalleled in scale, potentially generating five per cent of the UK’s electricity from renewable sources. As we undertake this work, we must understand the true environmental, social and economic impacts of such a project. They are potentially considerable."

He concluded: "But so too is the challenge of climate change. And we must all have open not closed minds about how we meet the energy needs of tomorrow."

Mr Hutton will also establish and chair a new Ministerial committee which will include representation from interested Departments and the Welsh Assembly Government to take forward this work and ensure appropriate governance.

(JM)