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The UK has a golden opportunity to tap into the immense power of tidal range energy in the Severn Estuary. Still, experts insist that a smaller, more sustainable approach is the way forward. Rather than constructing a colossal dam-like barrage, the Severn Estuary Commission has advocated for tidal lagoons, which offer a balanced solution—delivering renewable electricity while minimizing environmental disruption.
Harnessing the Tides: A Reliable Renewable Energy Source:
Tidal energy is uniquely predictable, unlike solar or wind power, which fluctuate with weather conditions. The Severn Estuary holds an astounding 8 to 12 gigawatts of tidal range potential, enough to supply up to 7% of the UK’s electricity needs. Recognizing this, the Severn Estuary Commission—a panel of renowned engineers, financiers, scientists, and energy experts—has spent the last year evaluating how best to harness this untapped resource.
The commission’s chair, Dr. Andrew Garrad, who recently received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering in recognition of his role in pioneering the development of 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. Indeed, what sets this commission aside from previous studies is the emphasis that it has placed on the environment.
“Electricity demand will increase with the widespread uptake of electric vehicles, electrification of heating, industry and proliferation of datacentres. We urgently need to get serious about how we can make use of our natural resources to meet this demand whilst also tackling our carbon emissions.
“Given the likely timelines for developing a project of this scale, we need to act now to ensure we can deliver the energy when it is needed and at the same time safeguard the environment.”
For decades, discussions have surfaced about a massive tidal barrage spanning the estuary. However, after extensive consultations with hundreds of stakeholders, the commission has firmly concluded that such a project would face insurmountable challenges—including severe environmental repercussions, legislative roadblocks, and disruptions to vital commercial ports.
Instead, the report strongly favors tidal lagoons, which function similarly to a barrage but enclose smaller bodies of water. The commission argues this approach is far more viable from an ecological and economic perspective.
A Turning Point for UK Energy Strategy?
The push for tidal power has gained fresh urgency in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which reignited concerns about energy security. The commission was initially launched in 2022 by the Western Gateway powerhouse—a coalition of politicians, business leaders, and academics spanning Swansea to Swindon—to explore whether the UK’s most extensive tidal range could finally be harnessed after decades of stalled proposals.
Their conclusion? The time is now.
The UK’s National Energy System Operator has already acknowledged that tidal energy must be integrated into the future energy mix. Given that the Severn Estuary has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, it represents a crucial piece of the UK’s renewable energy puzzle.
With the Welsh government already endorsing the recommendations, attention now turns to whether the UK government will follow suit and back tidal lagoon projects. If it does, this could begin a new era for British clean energy—one powered not by the winds of change but by the certainty of the tides.
Sarah Williams-Gardener, chair of the Western Gateway, said: “We need urgent action to make the most of this opportunity. A lagoon project would not only deliver predictable renewable energy, it could also add up to £12bn GVA (gross value added) to the UK economy and 220,000 job years in the construction phase.”
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