Post by Hoppy on May 23, 2007 7:54:47 GMT -1
Barrage could move a step closer
from news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6681113.stm
Opinion split on barrage benefits
Plans for a £14bn barrage that would harness the tidal energy of the Severn Estuary are set to take a step forward.
A motion to look at the proposals' potential is expected to feature in a UK Government energy white paper later.
Stretching from the coast near Cardiff to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, the barrage could supply 5% of the UK's electricity, according to supporters.
But some environmentalists fear the 10 mile (16km) barrage would have an impact on wildlife and their habitats.
The energy white paper will be published in a statement by trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling in the Commons on Wednesday.
The idea of a barrage has been mooted in different forms since it was first proposed in 1849, according to Robert Falconer, professor of hydro-environmental engineering at Cardiff University.
SEVERN BARRAGE
The barrage would be 16km (10m) long
It would power more than 200 turbines
Planners say it could create 35,000 construction jobs and between 10,000 - 40,000 permanent jobs
The barrage could be generating electricity within 11 years, say planners
In 1981, the first major study of the environmental impact of such a scheme was carried out with further research in 1989, he said.
Last week, 24 MPs signed an early day motion calling on the Government to urgently reappraise the idea.
The current Severn tidal barrage proposal would stretch across the Bristol Channel from Lavernock Point near Penarth to Brean Down near Weston-Super-Mare.
"They have always been looking for ways to produce energy," said Professor Falconer.
"With recent issues such as renewable energy and commitment to the Kyoto (Protocol), it is much more of a concern."
The barrage would work similarly to a dam, he explained, which generates hydro electric power by holding water back before it is allowed to flow at speed through a pipe at the base of the dam to drive the turbines.
As well as powering around 200 turbines, the barrage would feature "sluices" which allow water to go one way or another and locks to let ships pass.
The site is attractive for the project because it has the second highest tidal range in the world, behind the Bay of Fundy in Canada.
HOW TIDE POWER WORKS
As tide comes in, sea water passes through barrage to landward side
At high tide, sluice gates shut, trapping water in estuary or basin
When tide recedes on sea-side of barrage, sluice gates open
Water flows through barrage, driving turbines and generating power
Power can be generated in both directions, but this can affect efficiency and economics of project
"There has been a big change in public opinion," said Professor Falconer.
"I'm not saying it will be built but the case for further studies is a strong one. I think we will see a major reappraisal of this project."
Roger Hull, spokesman for the Severn Tidal Power Group which is promoting the proposal, said much had changed since the studies of the 1980s and it was time the barrage was "thought about again."
"Prices of fossil fuels have gone up, the environment has changed, legislation has changed, the way we sell electricity has changed and the security of supply is a bigger issue," he said.
While the barrage would change the local environment and certain birds would probably have to move elsewhere, he said, positive environmental impacts would include saving on greenhouse gas emissions and increased flood protection.
Welsh Secretary Peter Hain has told the BBC: "We want to study the environmental impact in great detail. But this is a very, very exciting project."
A transport link across the top of the barrage would be another benefit for the south West of England and south Wales, he added.
from news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6681113.stm
Opinion split on barrage benefits
Plans for a £14bn barrage that would harness the tidal energy of the Severn Estuary are set to take a step forward.
A motion to look at the proposals' potential is expected to feature in a UK Government energy white paper later.
Stretching from the coast near Cardiff to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, the barrage could supply 5% of the UK's electricity, according to supporters.
But some environmentalists fear the 10 mile (16km) barrage would have an impact on wildlife and their habitats.
The energy white paper will be published in a statement by trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling in the Commons on Wednesday.
The idea of a barrage has been mooted in different forms since it was first proposed in 1849, according to Robert Falconer, professor of hydro-environmental engineering at Cardiff University.
SEVERN BARRAGE
The barrage would be 16km (10m) long
It would power more than 200 turbines
Planners say it could create 35,000 construction jobs and between 10,000 - 40,000 permanent jobs
The barrage could be generating electricity within 11 years, say planners
In 1981, the first major study of the environmental impact of such a scheme was carried out with further research in 1989, he said.
Last week, 24 MPs signed an early day motion calling on the Government to urgently reappraise the idea.
The current Severn tidal barrage proposal would stretch across the Bristol Channel from Lavernock Point near Penarth to Brean Down near Weston-Super-Mare.
"They have always been looking for ways to produce energy," said Professor Falconer.
"With recent issues such as renewable energy and commitment to the Kyoto (Protocol), it is much more of a concern."
The barrage would work similarly to a dam, he explained, which generates hydro electric power by holding water back before it is allowed to flow at speed through a pipe at the base of the dam to drive the turbines.
As well as powering around 200 turbines, the barrage would feature "sluices" which allow water to go one way or another and locks to let ships pass.
The site is attractive for the project because it has the second highest tidal range in the world, behind the Bay of Fundy in Canada.
HOW TIDE POWER WORKS
As tide comes in, sea water passes through barrage to landward side
At high tide, sluice gates shut, trapping water in estuary or basin
When tide recedes on sea-side of barrage, sluice gates open
Water flows through barrage, driving turbines and generating power
Power can be generated in both directions, but this can affect efficiency and economics of project
"There has been a big change in public opinion," said Professor Falconer.
"I'm not saying it will be built but the case for further studies is a strong one. I think we will see a major reappraisal of this project."
Roger Hull, spokesman for the Severn Tidal Power Group which is promoting the proposal, said much had changed since the studies of the 1980s and it was time the barrage was "thought about again."
"Prices of fossil fuels have gone up, the environment has changed, legislation has changed, the way we sell electricity has changed and the security of supply is a bigger issue," he said.
While the barrage would change the local environment and certain birds would probably have to move elsewhere, he said, positive environmental impacts would include saving on greenhouse gas emissions and increased flood protection.
Welsh Secretary Peter Hain has told the BBC: "We want to study the environmental impact in great detail. But this is a very, very exciting project."
A transport link across the top of the barrage would be another benefit for the south West of England and south Wales, he added.
