Clean energy but clear conscience?

The proposed Severn Barrage would be Britain’s largest power project, providing 5% of the nation's electricity in a renewable form.

However, the project would significantly affect the visual and marine environment for up to 30 miles of the site.

The barrage would provide a valuable river crossing and represent a boost for the economies and tourism in both Wales and South West England.

But it would mean 11,000 hectares of inter-tidal and protected land could be lost, including miles of affected beaches...and it would put an abrupt end to the popular Severn Bore.

The government are spending £9 million on a two-year study of the project, in which 200 turbines from the 10-mile long site would produce carbon-free energy for 120 years. The barrage itself would cost £15 billion of taxpayers' money.

A barrage of questions - FAQ's

Save the Severn campaigner Stuart Ballard (left) and Cllr Helen Harrison (right) discuss the government's feasibility study.

 

Steve Webb MP (left) and Friends of the Earth (right) debate the barrage.

 

(Click on images for gallery)

Existing barrage proposals.

 

Residents of Brean Down have their say.