The developer of a proposed Severn Barrage between Brean and Wales has this week vowed that the project is still “alive and progressing” during a visit to Burnham-On-Sea.
Welsh entrepreneur Gareth Woodham, right, who is leading the Severn Lake project, revealed that he has met several “influential potential investors” during recent weeks and is “confident” that a financial backer can be found.
The £12bn project would see a causeway being built between Brean Down and Lavernock Point in Wales to generate ‘green’ energy from the Severn estuary.
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I can’t comment in detail at the moment, however I am prepared to say that the project is alive and well, with positive talks continuing.”
“The issues that have previously dogged the project are being resolved. The first – the turbine halls with the government-agreed ebb and flow requirement – can now use the Gokhman tri-wall hydraulic system which resolves the environmental issues raised by the RSPB since a computer-programmed energy ebb and flow system will address the bird population needs. This will mean there are no adverse effects to the bird population of the Severn.”
“Also, the issue regarding shipping delays through the energy causeway wall in the estuary have been mitigated by creating a free-flow shipping channel with no stop locks. This will provide access at any time without loss of energy creation.”
Mr Woodham’s comments come a fortnight after separate proposals were revealed for a power-generating tidal lagoon in Bridgwater Bay.
“The recent announcement of plans to build a lagoon here, which is one of seven across the UK, do not affect my plans for a barrage from Brean to Lavernock Point. In fact, I welcome other green energy creation projects in the estuary,” he said.
“I look forward to the Swansea lagoon project in particular, which will be the first step towards hydraulic energy creation in the Severn. This will provide an assurance to the government that it can work here and will help our project.”
