A disappointing announcement by the Government this week on the shortlist for the next stage of the Severn Tidal Feasibility study, which I think goes to highlight the Government’s lack of vision and open mindedness on this issue. More innovative proposals and visionary proposals that could offer a more cost effective and environmentally friendly option for the Severn Estuary have sadly been ruled out, leaving us with the option of either a variety of barrage schemes or tidal lagoons as the study progresses into the next phase.
Harnessing the power of the Severn is a huge decision and one which cannot be taken lightly. Any development in the Estuary is still far on the horizon, which gives ample time for research and development into less destructive options, yet the Government has only allocated £0.5million of investment into all alternative proposals such as tidal reef and fence – a small amount compared to the estimated £15billion construction cost of a barrage.
The Government should follow the Scottish example as the Government there has recently announced a £10million prize for innovation in marine renewable energy research, to encourage more innovation for blue sky technologies to come forward that will be the next generation in renewable energy, which will propel Scotland to the forefront of world energy research. The £500,000 committed by the UK Government for similar research and development is insignificant in comparison and may knock all alternative concepts out of the water.
The driving force must be the abatement of carbon emissions now, rather than decades down the line, when the Government anticipates a Barrage would be completed. This economic recession is stark evidence that we need cost effective solutions with immediate impacts for the economy and for the environment.
While pursuing more innovative and less destructive options for the Severn Estuary, the Government must invest much more in energy efficiency measures and the development of decentralised energy generation. Reducing energy use and developing known technologies such as wind, biomass, water and solar, as well as investment in better buildings, engine efficiency, lighting and fuel substitutes are what is needed in the short term, to create more green jobs and help revive our ailing economy.
Meanwhile support for innovative British engineering solutions for harnessing the power of the Severn, in whatever form this eventually takes, will not only provide a greener mix to UK energy generation, but boost UK job opportunities and at the same time make the UK a world leader in tidal energy technology.
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