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Type
Lecture

John Sargent Lecture: The Severn Tidal Power Dilemma

Event organised by Central Dredging Association

Date
04 March 2025
Time

This event has now ended

Overview

With the largest tidal range in Europe, there’s been considerable interest in tidal power generation on the Severn Estuary for at least a century. Over this period, numerous proposals and investigations have led to short-term flurries of interest, meanwhile, other sources of power, including nuclear, have been developed around the estuary’s shores.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of the tidal regime and environment of the Severn before tracing the recent development of interest in tidal energy generation in the estuary, including the current investigations by the Severn Estuary Commission.  

As part of this review, the key challenges facing tidal energy generation scheme in the Severn will be outlined. Dr Ballinger will provide her own unique perspective based on her involvement over the last few decades with the Severn Estuary Partnership, an independent, estuary-wide initiative led by local authorities and statutory agencies in the region.

Refreshments will be available from 17:30, and Kendal’s Bar will be open after the event for networking opportunities.

Organised by

Society for Earthquake and Civil Engineering Dynamics

Society for Earthquake and Civil Engineering Dynamics

SECED promotes the study and practice of earthquake engineering, dynamics, and vibration issues like blast and impact.

17:30 - 18:00

Registration and refreshments

18:00 - 19:30

John Sargent Lecture

19:30

Networking and drinks at the ICE Kendal's bar

Speaker

Dr Rhoda Ballinger

Dr Rhoda Ballinger

Cardiff University

honorary senior lecturer

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Dr Rhoda Ballinger

Rhoda is the current chair of the Severn Estuary Partnership and an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, having retired from a Readership in Environmental and Marine Geography just over a year ago. 

She has over thirty years experience of lecturing and research and has published widely on both coastal policy and management.  

With a degree and PhD in Geography, Rhoda is particularly interested in the inter-relationship between environment and society and enjoys exploring and trying to devise solutions to the particular challenges faced by coastal and estuary areas.