Exploiting the tidal power of the Severn Estuary is ‘essential’ according to Cardiff Central MP Jenny Willott.

The estuary has the second highest tidal range in the world and Willott has called for the government to embrace the Severn Barrage project and utilise the renewable energy it would generate.

Willott said: “With a tidal range of over 12 metres, the Severn Estuary is arguably the second best site in the world for generating tidal power.

“Taking advantage of this clean and guaranteed renewable energy resource is essential if the UK is to achieve energy security and effectively combat climate change,” added Willott.

“The advances in tidal power technology since the first proposals for a Severn barrage should be welcomed and the government must press on with their study so the scheme can progress,” she said.

Lessons

While many politicians are positive about the energy resource available from the proposed barrage, some scientists have cited the existing Bay of Fundy project in Canada as a reason for apprehension.

Professor at Bath University, Simon Haslett, said: “The consequences of the Canadians’ studies have convinced them that building a barrage is inefficient, has many undesirable environmental impacts and is unsightly.

“The UK needs to learn from their experience and not make the same mistakes,” added Haslett.

“For the Canadians the idea of a barrage is now history and doesn’t even get raised as an option during tidal power debates,” he said. “It’s so old that they are amazed the UK is even considering it.”

According to Haslett, Canadian scientists will urge the British Government not to go ahead with the Severn Barrage and have warned it could cause major environmental damage and waste millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money.