Severn Estuary Commission - Strong support for tidal lagoons

The Severn Estuary Commission was established by the Western Gateway Partnership (the 28 local authorities on both sides of the River Severn) to consider the feasibility of electricity production from the river's tidal range.

In its Report( https://www.severncommission.c...) , published on 19th March, the Commission's key findings offer significant support for tidal lagoons in the River Severn and around the UK. Tidal lagoons:

• Support the UK's Net Zero and energy security goals
• Offer economic and industrial growth opportunities
• Electrical system benefits
• Investment and financial viability

Chaired by Andrew Garrad CBE FREng, (one of the 'Godfathers of the wind industry'), the Commissioners concluded that development of a tidal lagoon on the river Severn was feasible after consulting over 500 individuals and more than 200 local and national organisations.

"Tidal range projects would generate predictable low-carbon energy, independent of weather conditions, help to meet the UK's significant increase in electricity demand and contribute to the stability of the grid".

The full report included in-depth conclusions on the Environment, Socio-Economic issues, Funding and Financing, Grid Connection and Engineering.