Tidal Power Alternative to the Severn Barrage Touted

This setup looks awesome. I imagine there are a good many areas where the current flows too swiftly and the area is too dangerous for shipping where this type of set up would work very well with little disruption.

Doesn't solve the fish-finger problem of course, but this and a couple of tidal pools to allow more smooth or even on-demand power might be better than the billion-tonnes-of-concrete version...

Rgds

Damon

Cool. The same solution is the cheapest, the greenest, and the most profitable. I hope they are smart enough to take the opportunity.

I think the main idea needs to be re-presented. I think it needs new comma placement to make any sense.

Is this right?

The main idea being put forth by the Severn Tidal Fence group is_that,_ rather than a full tidal barrier_,_ a line of underwater turbines would be built,....

Hope this helps. It took me a while too.

Wouldn't the water flow thru the "path with less resistance"? Without it being fully "damned" a majority of the force would go thru the open areas.

They were talking about doing this under the golden gate bridge, in California. The environmental concern for the marine life was the main objection for it. The turbines could kill/hurt marine life- that get caught. I assume those concerns must have been met in this project.

It amuses and alarms me that the whole issue of destructive siltation is just ignored. Look at the artists impression, it shows the water as crystal clear! Trying to use the Severn Estuary to generate electricity is like trying to make coffee using tea bags. No matter how you look at it, it just doesn't work. Research suggests that a tidal fence would create even more siltation problems as it slows the flow right across the estuary.
Let's spend the money in a much smarter way by declaring the estuary a 'Green Energy Zone' like is done in California. Everyone gets micro generation, solar panels, insulation the whole works. This boosts the economy of the region. The South West and South Wales will benefit, Bristol becoming a shining example of our green future. Green Energy Zones benefit all. Green Industry is encouraged to the region and we all ready have two world leaders in tidal energy in Marine Current Turbines, Bristol and Swan Turbines, Swansea. The these proposals are not sustainable energy as they use up the resource which is the estuary. Blocked with silt the estuary won't produce anything except a stench.

I tend to agree with most of the comments here. For that amout of money there has to be other options.

Actually, even more important, for that amount of money the government has to be absolutely certain of the benefits it will produce. If these comments are accurate, then I hope it doesn't happen.

Still, it's easier to knock ideas without producing better ones. If we don't want nuclear power, and this ugly tidal fence doesn't work, what will? Wind Turbines?

Everything just has such a high capital cost, and that money needs to come from somewhere - even if it is part-financed by the private sector.