The Severn Estuary Commission's recent report claims tidal power
from the Estuary could play a major role in the UK's energy
future. After an extensive study, the Commission concluded it is
time to harness the "huge potential" of the Severn's tides.
But how realistic is this ambition?
On Wednesday 7 May, the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
will hold a one-off session to examine the case for Severn tidal
power. MPs will assess the feasibility, technology readiness,
environmental impacts, and whether the project could help meet
Net Zero targets, boost energy security, and create jobs.
The Commission has urged the Government to provide clearer policy
support to attract investment and give the project regulatory
certainty. However, the Government has cut funding for the
Western Gateway Partnership, which had been co-ordinating early
project planning. This has raised concerns among potential
investors.
With technology still developing and questions over long-term
viability, the Committee will also look at costs and delivery
risks. Proposed projects range from a £33 billion scheme (2023
prices) producing 16,700 gigawatt hours annually, to a £7 billion
option generating 2,800 gigawatt hours per year.
MPs will consider whether these could be delivered on time and on
budget — and whether they would reduce energy bills enough to
justify the huge investment.
The session will also explore the project's own environmental and
carbon impacts.
On Wednesday 7 May from
3:00pm:
- Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair,
Western Gateway
- Shaun Gaffey, Senior Planner, RSPB
Cymru
- Dr Athanasios Angeloudis, Reader in
Environmental Fluid Mechanics, University of Edinburgh
From approximately
4:00pm:
- Dr Andrew Garrard CBE, Chair,
Severn Estuary Commission
- Sue Bartlett-Reed, Commissioner,
Severn Estuary Commission
- Chris Mills, Commissioner, Severn
Estuary Commission
