British government backs feasibility study into the construction of the Severn Barrage 
(15/10/2007)
The government has backed a multi-million pound feasibility study into the construction of the Severn Barrage. According to supporters, the project could generate around 8.6 gigawatts of electricity, equivalent to the energy produced by more than six next-generation nuclear power stations. The government hopes to generate up to five per cent of the UK's electricity from the project.
However, environmental campaigners say that a dam across the Severn estuary could have severe environmental consequences, not least on local fish and bird populations.
John Hutton, business and enterprise secretary, described the project as "truly visionary". "The government Gordon Brown leads will not be among those who say they want to tackle global warming by moving to low carbon energy sources but then oppose every opportunity to do so," he said.
In response, Dr Mark Avery, RSPB conservation director, commented: "The Severn estuary is one of the UK's most important sites for water birds. A barrage would do enormous damage and its layers of legal protection are there for good reason. Renewable energy is hugely important and the government should be choosing options that provide long-term benefit and, just as importantly, safeguard the natural environment."
Related categories: Climate change and global warming Eco-friendly Power generation Hydroelectric power
