Hafren Power’s plans for a new Severn Barrage ‘should not go ahead in their current form’ a parliamentary committee has decided. MP’s from the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee said that Hafren have failed to make a convincing case that the new barrage proposal would be good for either the economy or the environment. The committee’s criticisms were made on the basis of a lack of information and a perceived lack of transparency concerning the proposal and the accompanying report states that the case for the barrage remains ‘unproven’.
Hafren Power “has yet to provide robust and independently verified evidence of the economic, environmental and technological viability of the project” the committee’s report adds.
“The report is unhelpful and frustrating - we all know we have a lot more work to do and we will do it” said Hafren Power’s Chief Executive, Tony Prior. Nevertheless he further stated that the company was determined to press ministers and officials to engage fully with the project. “We have a team of experts, consultants and engineers... to discuss how we can provide the correct mitigation for the impact the barrier will have.” Mr Prior added.
The report is based on an investigation of the proposal in three key areas, specifically the financial aspects, environmental impacts and the level of acceptability to the public. Furthermore, the committee found that the company’s timetable for development of the project was “completely unrealistic.” Where this leaves the proposal remains to be seen as Hafren has already accepted that a negative outcome would effectively kill off the project as it would make it harder to raise the necessary £25 billion of private investment.
“We think the effects on wildlife could be very damaging” said Committee Chairman Tim Yeo. “There is a lot of evidence to suggest that these impacts will be very, very hard to alleviate. The report does acknowledge that there is the potential to generate energy here. Indeed, we suggest that it might be worth exploring a smaller scheme initially where the impact would be less dramatic.”
The committee’s report has been welcomed by the Bristol Port Company (BPC) which regards the barrage project as bad for business on the basis that it would reduce the depth of water by about two metres thereby restricting the capacity for deep-sea vessels. Other groups welcoming the committee’s decision include the Angling Trust and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) meanwhile has stated that although there is significant potential for the Severn Estuary to help the UK to decarbonise its economy it is also clear that significant questions remain concerning the economic and ecological viability of the current proposal.
“The potential for marine energy in UK waters is significant – whether wave, barrage, tidal lagoon or tidal stream – and every effort should be made to bring forward economically and ecologically sound marine energy projects” said Dr Stephanie Merry, the REA’s Head of Marine Renewables.
Further information:
Energy and Climate Change Committee Report (A Severn Barrage?)
