» Severn Estuary lagoon offers ‘rare’ opportunity for UK

A tidal lagoon should be created in the Severn Estuary to generate electricity, according to a report.

The Severn Estuary Commission rejected proposals for a large barrage spanning the Severn.

Instead, it said the UK and Welsh governments should back plans for a smaller project to harness the power of the tide on the England-Wales border.

The commission said a tidal lagoon demonstration project – the first in the world – would boost the economy and provide a better understanding of tidal power.

Demand for electricity in the UK is likely to more than double by 2050, the commission said.

The Severn Estuary has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, offering “a rare opportunity” for the UK.

There have been several proposals to build a barrage across the Severn, but without formal government support they failed to attract funding.

Environmental groups oppose building a barrage in the estuary – a highly-protected wetland of international importance.

Lagoons are formed by building a wall around a bay or on the coast to capture water when the tide comes in.

At low tide the water is released, turning turbines to generate electricity.

There have been proposals to build a lagoon in Swansea Bay.

One plan, which had the backing of the Welsh government, was thrown out by the Conservative UK government in 2018 because it did not offer value for money.

The report into the Severn said the UK and Welsh government should set up an organisation with the private sector to create the lagoon as a “commercial demonstration project”.

It would show the potential for tidal power and measure the impact on the local environment.

They should also look at ways to compensate for any loss of habitat, it said.

The report added: “A lagoon project would provide both engineering experience and real-world monitoring of environmental effects.

“Development of a tidal lagoon therefore offers a positive alternative to a barrage.”