Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru
Wales Environment Link
27 Heol y Wig / 27 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2LN  : 01970 611621 : enquiry@waleslink.org
Cadeirydd / Chair : Geraint Hopkins
Cyfarwyddwraig / Director : Susan Evans
www.waleslink.org
Statement on the proposal for a tidal electricity-generating barrage
across the Severn Estuary
Environmental and countryside groups across Wales have come together to challenge the Welsh
Assembly Government’s attempts to revive the Severn barrage proposal (1). Members of Wales
Environment Link say that the Severn Barrage is neither a green option nor likely to be a cost effective
one (2). Moreover, WEL members point out that they are not alone in this view – only three years ago
the UK Government effectively shelved the barrage on grounds of substantial environmental impact and
disproportionate cost(3).
Butterfly Conservation, the Council for British Archaeology Wales, the Campaign for the Protection of
Rural Wales, Friends of the Earth Cymru, the National Trust, Plantlife, Ramblers’ Association Wales,
RSPB Cymru, Sustrans, WWF Cymru and Wildlife Trusts Wales are signing this joint statement, which
calls upon the UK and Welsh Assembly Governments not to waste time and resources on yet another
Severn Barrage feasibility study. Instead, WEL members suggest that significant resources be put into
energy conservation and efficiency measures that will have the effect of reducing demand and
consumption, and into a range of other renewable energy technologies. Such an approach would deliver
the required levels of electricity output and carbon emission reduction much more quickly than a
barrage, which could not be operative much before 2020.
WEL members share the view that climate change is the greatest long-term threat to humanity and the
natural world, and that low- and zero-carbon emission ways must be found to meet our energy needs.
However, a Severn Barrage is not the answer for many reasons, including the following:


A barrage would have a damaging and permanent impact upon the landscape features and
habitats of international importance for birds and other wildlife (4).
The carbon emission savings from the barrage are likely to be significantly lower than projected
and certainly less than could be achieved more quickly and sustainably by reducing demand
and bringing forward renewable technologies.
In broad terms WEL members believe that the approach set out in the 2003 White Paper gives a clear
view of the way forward to achieving the UK’s long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction target, with
a policy focus upon energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable sources of supply, including
micro-generation and community heat and power.
WEL members are firmly of the view, therefore, that the DTI should not accept the Welsh Assembly
Government proposal for a re-examination of the Severn barrage.
WEL members believe that the proposal for a Severn barrage is actually a distraction from the urgent
task of tackling climate change by more sustainable means.
Wales Link unites voluntary bodies whose primary aims include the conservation, protection or quiet enjoyment of landscape, wildlife or amenity in Wales.
Mae Cyswllt Cymru yn uno cyrff gwirfoddol sydd â’u hamcanion pennaf yn cynnwys cadwraeth, gwarchodaeth neu fwynhad tawel o dirlun, bywyd gwyllt ac amwynder yng Nghymru
Reg. Charity No: 1022675
Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig: 1022675
Signatories
Butterfly Conservation Wales
Council for British Archaeology Wales
Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales
Friends of the Earth Cymru
The National Trust Wales
Plantlife
Ramblers’ Association Wales
RSPB Cymru
Sustrans
WWF Cymru
Wildlife Trusts Wales
Notes
1. The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has submitted (April 2006) a Memorandum for
Energy Policy in Wales jointly to the DTI and to the Welsh Affairs Committee Inquiry into Energy
in Wales. The Memorandum includes a revival of the long-standing proposal for a tidal
electricity-generating barrage across the Severn Estuary, and proposes that it is now
‘appropriate to re-examine the Severn barrage proposals in depth.’
2. Wales Environment Link (WEL) is a network for environmental and countryside nongovernmental organisations. It is officially designated the Intermediary Body between the
government and the voluntary environmental sector in Wales. Further information about Wales
Environment Link can be found on the website: www.waleslink.org
3. The 2003 UK Government Energy White Paper concluded in relation to the Severn barrage that
‘such schemes have a very substantial impact on the local and regional environment and are
very expensive’.
4. Sites protected under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives include: The Severn Estuary Special
Protection Area (SPA) and possible Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the rivers Wye
and Usk SACs.
For further information, please contact:
Michele Aitchison, Wales Environment Link
Tel:
02920 431 716
Email: maitchison-wel@wcva.org.uk
Wales Link unites voluntary bodies whose primary aims include the conservation, protection or quiet enjoyment of landscape, wildlife or amenity in Wales.
Mae Cyswllt Cymru yn uno cyrff gwirfoddol sydd â’u hamcanion pennaf yn cynnwys cadwraeth, gwarchodaeth neu fwynhad tawel o dirlun, bywyd gwyllt ac amwynder yng Nghymru
Reg. Charity No: 1022675
Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig: 1022675