Severn Tidal Fence: UK Environment Engineers Metoc support study on potential alternative to Severn

Added: (Thu Sep 10 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - The STFC (Severn Tidal Fence Consortium) has appointed Metoc to provide expert advice on environmental impacts and mitigation in the key areas of construction, fisheries, tidal water levels and sediment transport in the Severn Estuary. Following an announcement by DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) on the 15th July, the STFC is now confirmed as a successful bidder to share in the SETS (Severn Embryonic Technology Scheme) fund.

The SETS £500K cross-government fund is to stimulate and explore the potential for a reduced impact on the natural environment of conventional tidal technologies for energy generation – such as the proposed Severn Barrage.

The Severn Tidal Fence is a line of underwater tidal current turbines that could be installed across the estuary, and installed in such a way as to force the maximum flow through the turbines. Unlike a barrage, the Fence is a porous structure and does not completely obstruct flow through the estuary. Two sites are being considered, an Outer Fence from Aberthaw to Minehead and an Inner Fence, 9 km in length, in three 3km sections, passing near to the Estuary’s two main islands. Costing an estimated £3.5bn the Outer Fence would have a capacity of 1.3GW – more than Sizewell B nuclear power station.

Nick Barcock, Metoc’s Regional Director in Cardiff, says “We are excited to be involved in such an important project. The consortium believes the scheme would have minimal effect on the ports of Cardiff and Bristol; a much reduced impact on water levels in the estuary; and significantly less impact on fish and wild life”

The STFC is headed by IT Power and CleanTechCom has brought additional co-financing to the study, which will be supported by technical expertise from Metoc, NaREC, BMT Fleet Technology, Edinburgh University, Marubeni, and Sigma Offshore.

# Note for Editors

Environment engineers Metoc help industry and government to develop resources based on sound financial, environmental, and engineering decisions that minimise risks and costs and maximise productivity. Metoc has worked over 25 years as advisers and project managers on infrastructure projects in the marine, coastal and river environments.

Metoc has a detailed understanding of clients’ needs worldwide, where engineering meets the environment. Key market sectors include oil and gas, water, offshore renewable energy and marine cables. The company has offices throughout the UK and operates worldwide.

Metoc’s capabilities in consent delivery and engineering support, combined with high level project management experience, enables it to provide strategic input and technical expertise to prevent costly dislocation throughout a project’s life.

For further information contact:-
Natalie Griggs natalieg@metoc.co.uk
Metoc plc, Exchange House, Station Road
Liphook, GU30 7DW Tel: + 44 (0)1428 727800
www.metoc.co.uk

Media information:-
Rea-TMA Marketing
Tel: +44 (0)20 8870 4976
www.rea-tma.co.uk

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