* Environment * Wave, tidal and hydropower Severn green energy project loses government funding

diawl bach · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 07:58 AM

From the Guardian, some good news, the Severn Barrage project has definitely been shelved - " Tide goes out for Severn Barrage"

Unfortunately the reason for this decision is purely down to lack of funds rather than a concern for the rivers. Whether it merely delays the inevitable or allows some more time for new thinking the delay offers some breathing space for environmentalists to come up with some better proposals for harnessing the energy of the tides in the estuary.

Beautiful at low tide, just as the Taff estuary was prior to the barrage being built there

dabchick · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 09:59 AM

Excellent news for endangered salmon and shad.

Perhaps the contingency plan of a major barbel fishery can now be dismantled?

meganeura · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 10:12 AM

From Sunday's Guardian article (I was going to await confirmation before celebrating), we must still be wary of smaller - just as deadly - future schemes:

Quote:

The government will this month sound the death knell for the world's largest tidal energy project – to be built across the Severn estuary between Somerset and south Wales – when it rules out public funding for the controversial £20bn plan.

The announcement will please some environmentalists, who were worried about the impact on bird life in the estuary, but others say such spending cuts will make a mockery of David Cameron's pledge to be the "greenest government ever".

The private sector is unlikely to back the 10-mile tidal barrage, which would be able to provide 5% of the UK's electricity, without government money.

In a report to be published this month, ministers will recommend that further feasibility studies be carried out for one of four much smaller projects, which would cost about £3bn. But they will give no guarantee that the selected option will go ahead. "It will make pretty depressing reading," said one source who has seen the report.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
USA loses one of fishings biggest champions	Fish & Fly Team	Fish&Fly News	0	22-01-2009 05:34 PM
Project Funding	alex.swann	UK River Updates	10	20-01-2009 09:33 AM
Cane rod virgin loses his cherry.	dom	Tackle Talk	8	14-12-2006 03:51 PM