Severn Barrage Plans

The Department of Energy is e to reveal a shortlist of five schemes to generate tidal energy in the Severn Estuary.The £15billion project could see a 16km barrage built in the Estuary, but other options are said to include underwater tidal fences and a lagoon scheme.

Around 5% of Britain's electricity could be generated by tapping the energy of the tidal waters that surge up the Severn.The government is committed to approving the best barrage project, or combination of projects, by 2010.

Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, told the Sunday Times “This would make an important contribution to our renewable targets... We can't rule out anything when it comes to climate change"

The Department of Energy and Climate Change will open a three-month public consultation on the proposals, which range from a 10-mile barrage between Brean Down, south of Weston-super-Mare, and Lavernock Point in Wales, to less-intrusive options such as an underwater tidal fence or lagoons.