STOP THE BARRAGE NOW

The UK Government has proposed building a Barrage across the Severn Estuary to generate electricity using untried technology. We recognise the need to explore and develop more sustainable forms of energy but this cannot be at the expense of the Severn's unique environment, nor the economic prosperity of the region. The alternatives are there, the Government simply needs to invest more time, energy and money into them.

These are the facts;
	*Environment* - The impact of any Barrage would be devastating to the estuary’s environment; especially its wildlife and birds.
	Economics - The Barrage will cost over £20 billion and would almost certainly be another burden on the tax payer.
	Efficient Renewable Solutions - There are better and much cheaper ways of harnessing the renewable energy of the Severn without damaging the estuary.
	Ports and shipping - Dramatic changes to maritime access puts at risk thousands of jobs in the ports and shipping industries and will kill economic growth in the region.

What Can You Do?

• Sign the petition

• Write to your local MP

• Lobby your local Councillor

Latest News

The UK government has published its reponse to the first Severn Tidal Power concultation, confirming that three barrages and two lagoon proposals will be brought forward into the next years study. The Government also stated that it would also be adding a number of embryonic technologies - two tidal fences and a low head barrage.

The shortlisted proposals are as follows:

Beachley barrage (0.625GW, £2.36bn)
Shoots barrage (1.05GW, £3.5bn)
Bridgewater Bay lagoon (1.36GW, £3.8bn)
Fleming lagoon at Welsh Guards (1.36GW, £4bn)
Cardiff-Weston barrage (8.64, £20.9bn)

It has been recomended that the schemes remain because at this stage they are the only ones that are potentially technically and economically feasibile, and will be considered both in isolation and in combination.

Several factors were used to determine the feasibility: technical risk, construction cost and the cost of energy produced, how this cost compared to other ways of meeting our energy targets, and affordability.

Too find out more about Phase 1 of the consultation, the Government response to the Public Consultation and the various documents relating to the Colsutation including; the Embryonic Schemes, the Technical Options, and the 17 Strategic Environmental Assessment Studies, plus further reports please click here

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