2nd March 2009

Severn Energy debate concludes tidal energies other than barrage are best way forward

Photo: view of Severn 

Around 50 people turned out on the night of February 27th for the ‘Energy from the Severn’ debate at Star Anise café in Stroud. The speakers were Stuart Ballard from Save Our Severn, Green Party renewable energy expert Dave Cockcroft and Natasha Barker from the WWF.

Stuart opened the discussion by emphasising the majesty of the Severn and his enthusiasm for the importance of its associated ecosystems. It is famous for salmon and eels, while marine mammals have also been recorded, and the mudflats of the estuary are feeding grounds for tens of thousands of birds. He said that the Cardiff-Weston barrage, the largest on the shortlist, would result in massive environmental damage.

Dave Cockcroft explained that there are basically two types of tidal energy schemes, tidal range and tidal flow. All the schemes on the Government’s shortlist of five - three barrages and two lagoon systems - fall into the first category, while the newer tidal fence and reef ideas are hybrids between a tidal flow scheme and a barrage. He commented, “We have to be fully aware of the environmental sensitivity if the issue, though this in turn has to be balanced by energy requirements. The Cardiff-Weston barrage could generate 5% of the UK’s electricity.”

However, he added, “A barrage would not be built locally, and there is a huge opportunity to grow a large indigenous industry if we go instead for tidal stream technologies, which creates a strong argument against the barrage.”

Natasha Barker posed the question of whether estuary silt may mean that tidal range schemes are not feasible owing to inevitable damage to the turbines. She said, “The figure of 5% energy is based upon the barrage lasting 120 years, but this is highly unlikely as through siltation the barrage could lose half of its capacity within 10 years. Furthermore, the additional roads, rail links, a possible airport, and the massive construction project outweigh the idea of a barrage as green energy.”

Martin Whiteside, Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Stroud, added, “Greens are in favour of renewable energy from the Severn, but we do not support a barrage. There are innovative new technologies which are far more promising. We must respect other species and their habitats, and conserve valuable ecosystems. In addition, a major priority for us is to reduce energy demand in the first place.”

The Coffee House Discussions are sponsored by the Green Party and held on the fourth Friday of each month at Star Anise café. April’s subject will be ‘Mutuals and co-operatives – who can we bank on?’