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Published:
September 26, 2007
Government
announces fresh study into Severn Barrage scheme
The
government has announced a fresh feasibility study into the multi-billion-pound
Severn Barrage project, which is likely to run from Brean Down
(pictured), near Burnham-On-Sea, to Wales.
 Speaking
at the Labour Party's annual conference in Bournemouth, business
and enterprise secretary John Hutton said the concept was "truly
visionary".
Some
environmental groups have warned the barrage could affect wildlife,
although proponents say the barrage could provide about 5% of
the UK's total electricity.
The
idea was first considered about 150 years ago, but environmental
and cost concerns have always blocked approval. Last year's governmental
energy review opened the door again, saying that the barrage should
be re-evaluated.
Now
Mr Hutton has signalled that a multi-million pound feasibility
study will go ahead, citing climate concerns as the main driver.
"The
government Gordon Brown leads will not be among those who say
they want to tackle global warming by moving to low-carbon energy
sources, but then oppose every opportunity to do so," he
told conference delegates.
The
study will examine the social, economic and environmental aspects
of the barrage.
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Official
Severn Lake Website [External Link]
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