Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) director general Tom Foulkes said:
“While we understand the logic behind the Government’s decision to not provide public funding for the Severn energy project in favour of emerging technologies which can provide long-term export and expansion opportunities, we still strongly believe the Severn has potential that the UK cannot afford to let lie. With the potential to make a massive contribution to plugging our growing energy gap and looming environmental targets, it is very encouraging to see that despite Government’s decision there is still interest from the private sector in delivering it without public funding.
Referring to the Corlan Hafren Ltd study into the Severn barrage (see Halcrow release below) he continued:
“This is exactly the type of innovative forward thinking that we need more of if we are to deliver the critical infrastructure the UK needs - in the realm of 400-500bn over the next decade. However Government’s role in this austere environment remains vital, it must help unlock private investment through the provision of a clear long-term road-map, fit for purpose regulatory framework and a democratic, efficient planning system. Reforms such as the soon to be announced National Infrastructure Plan, the national planning statements and the proposed major infrastructure unit are excellent progress, however it is imperative we do not lose momentum to ensure the private sector can confidently deliver the world class infrastructure we need to drive our economic recovery and shift to a low carbon economy.”
More information
The following news has been released by Halcrow on behalf of Corlan Hafren
To download a copy of our regional vision, press release briefing note and images, visit www.corlanhafren.co.uk(note this will be fully operational by 12.30pm)
The Severn Barrage remains a viable, renewable source of energy to meet the UK’s future energy needs, says Corlan Hafren
Corlan Hafren Limited has been established to spearhead the development of The Severn Barrage, from Lavernock Point to Brean Down. The company, which is uniquely positioned to take the project forward, aims to be a focus for other organisations that wish to contribute to this ground-breaking scheme.
The company and its associates believe that, in principle, they can deliver the Severn Barrage as a viable project without investing significant public funds.
Corlan Hafren believes that The Severn Barrage will act as a catalyst for regeneration in Wales and south-west England, bringing substantial new, permanent jobs to the region and creating an internationally recognised centre of expertise in renewable energy provision and manufacture.
Corlan Hafren is committed to developing renewable energy solutions for the UK and to help towards delivering the country’s 2020 and 2050 carbon reduction targets
Corlan Hafren recognise the significant environmental challenges associated with The Severn Barrage. The importance minimising impacts and providing compensatory and mitigation measures as a responsible Member State of the European Union is at the heart of the group’s objectives
Corlan Hafren welcomes the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) feasibility report and will be reading the report with interest to determine how we can best support the Government in meeting our renewable energy obligations in times of austerity.
In response to the DECC’s report on tidal energy options in the Severn Estuary, Corlan Hafren has published its own vision for The Severn Barrage − detailing its belief that, working with government, it can deliver the Severn Barrage as a viable project without investing significant public funds. As well as providing over 5 per cent of the UK’s energy needs, the project would be a significant step towards delivering the country’s 2020 and 2050 carbon reduction targets.
Corlan Hafren director, Tony Pryor explains: “As the government strives to tackle the twin challenges of energy security and climate change targets, we’re offering a way forward. With one of the largest tidal range in the world, the site has the potential to provide guaranteed energy output for well over a century. The projected 120-year lifespan of the Severn tidal barrage from Lavernock Point to Brean Down means the scheme also has the potential to provide an economic way to produce electricity (in terms of cost per kilowatt), as part of an appropriate mix of renewable energy sources.”
By the 2020s, the Severn Barrage could be delivering energy to the National Grid. In a decade that promises plenty of change in terms of how energy is bought, sold, produced and consumed, energy from the barrage is likely to be fuelling an increasing number of low-energy heating and lighting devices, and electric vehicles, and making an important contribution to the government’s proposed smart grid. Inherent flexibility within the proposed design will accommodate demand growth and can help to mitigate environmental concerns, within a national context. It provides a key component of a diversified, resilient and secure national ‘green’ energy strategy as a fully predictable natural energy source.
The project is also set to fuel regeneration in Wales and south-west England, bringing tens of thousands of new, permanent jobs to the region and creating an internationally recognised centre of expertise in renewable energy provision and manufacture. Additionally, it will enable commercial and recreational opportunities and improved transport links to bring benefits to the area.
The time is right for The Severn Barrage. It is of national scale and importance fitting within the enabling policy framework set by government. This major private investment benefits the UK by delivering low carbon energy, linked to a smart grid, and replacing time-expired existing generation. It will indeed be the means for substantial job creation and regeneration in tough times. Ends.
For more information
Garry Whitaker, communications manager, Halcrow Group Ltd
t: +44 (0)1793 816253
e: whitakerga@halcrow.com
Editor’s notes
Corlan Hafren Limited
Corlan Hafren (Welsh, chosen name for Hafren Group) is a private limited company established to facilitate the development of tidal energy in the Severn Estuary. Its directors include Rt Hon Lord Deben John Gummer and Halcrow non-executive chairman Tony Pryor.
Corlan Hafren represents the interests of the following associated organisations and individuals: Halcrow Group Ltd, Ove Arup & Partners Ltd, KPMG LLP, Sancroft International Ltd, Marks Barfield Architects LLP and Professor Roger A Falconer FREng.
To view a copy of the Corlan Hafren regional vision, briefing note and supporting images, please visit: www.corlanhafren.co.uk or www.severn-tidal-barrage.co.uk.
Tony Pryor CBE BA FICE
Tony Pryor joined Halcrow's group board as non-executive chairman in July 2007. Before this, he spent 30 years in the defence industry and until 2005 was chief operating officer of Kellogg Brown and Root (UK). Subsequent to this, he was chairman of Devonport Royal Dockyard. He has considerable experience and knowledge of public-private partnerships, and is renowned for his work in the defence and nuclear sectors.
For more information on the proposals for tidal energy generation in the Severn Estuary, please visit:
Sustainable Development Commission - the UK government’s independent watchdog on sustainable development: http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/tidal-power.html
Department of Energy and Climate Change: the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was created in October 2008, to bring together energy policy (previously with BERR, which is now BIS - the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and climate change mitigation policy (previously with Defra - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Feasibility study
Media contacts
Emily Beadon, ICE Media Relations Officer,
t: 020 7665 2261
e: emily.beadon@ice.org.uk
Notes to editors
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) was founded in 1818 to ensure professionalism in civil engineering. It represents 80,000 qualified and student civil engineers in the UK and across the globe. The ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy and UK exports.