Conclusion
• Obligations, both moral and politically, to provide more energy from renewable sources is increasing. More evidence of global warming is being discovered on a regular basis 24. As developing nations struggle to improve their economies, the emphasis is placed on developed countries to take a lead in responsible policy. Investment, and use, in environmentally benign technology could be argued to being instrumental to the long-term survival of modern society. However, advancement should also be at a financial cost attractive to consumers.
• All previous proposals for constructing a Severn Barrage for the purpose of electricity generation have been demonstrated to be technologically possible but have not gained viability through cost and/or environmental damage. Tidal lagoons appear to provide some answers. Lagoons cost less than half of a barrage, provide more power in an average year and potentially cause significantly less damage to sensitive ecosystems. Tidal Electric proposes to use demonstrably proven turbines and AEA Technology, a leading engineering consultant, approve of their methodology. Further, the landscape would not be impacted significantly.
• While the concept of tidal barrages remains untested, the actual technology most certainly is. Tidal lagoons are simply an offshore dam. The principal difference that poses any difficulties is the corrosive effect of salt water; which AEA Technology believes can be overcome with appropriate material choices. The proposed scheme in Swansea Bay, if permission is granted, will test the concept. A cost of £16.53 – 18.23 million for a working prototype that will provide a reasonable return on equity appears attractive. Indeed, when the wider benefits are included, such as affects on ecology, lagoons become more desirable.
• It is unfortunate that the RSPB retains a negative policy towards energy. The RSPB is greatly concerned about the effects of global warming and is encouraging the government to utilise renewable energy more fully. It is understandable, and essential, that the RSPB oppose renewable projects that will have undesirable effects on birds. Their opposition to developments Shell Flat and the Thames Estuary will be important to preserving Common Scoter wintering grounds. However, the society does not appear to promote any site or technology that may be beneficial. It would be very helpful for government, business and the environment if environmental organisations followed the lead of Friends of the Earth Wales. Taking a proactive role in locating desirable sites for renewable energy will ameliorate time and energy required by NGO’s in opposing projects. Business will also appreciate improved efficiency in planning processes; seeking to work with and not continually against NGO’s.
• If the planning and implementation of a lagoon in Swansea Bay is successful, the study of environmental effects will be highly significant. Clean energy from renewable sources that leave a little, no or even a positive ecological footprint that supplies a large contribution to energy demand would be extremely desirable. Commitments made in the Kyoto Protocol could be met with ease, less pollution would enhance quality of life and worldwide political standings would strengthen. Should pre-dominantly neutral effects be found from lagoon studies, government and industry action must be quick and decisive in commissioning a new feasibility study focusing on the tidal lagoon concept.