Facilitating public debate on harnessing tidal power from the Severn Estuary

The Severn Estuary has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world and there has long been interest in developing its potential for tidal power. Recent concerns over energy security and climate change has seen the issue thrust back on to the political agenda.

The Government is now undertaking a two year review to determine the relative merits and costs of various approaches to harnessing the estuary's energy potential.

Whatever decision is finally taken will have significant implications for local people in the Wales and West region. While many people in the local area are aware of the potential for development of tidal power in the estuary, very few are well informed on the issue or know how to access further information. The public could easily form an opinion on the pros and cons of development proposals based on scant evidence and superficial debate.

Such are the timeframes of any potential development, it is inevitably the children of the region who will be most effected by the implications of any decision. Yet such groups typically given no voice in such public debates and are not targeted by conventional approaches to information dissemination and consultation.

Through utilising the RSA's rich history as a neutral facilitator of public discussion, this project aims to open up and improve the quality of public debate on this most relevant of contemporary issues.  Working with the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Severn Estuary Partnership, this project will include two large events taking place this Autumn, hosted by Cardiff University and the University of the West of England.

Through utilising the diverse talents and enthusiasm of local RSA fellows, this initiative will offer an example of what can be achieved when RSA fellows and staff work together.

To find out more about the project join the debate on the Networks platform or contact:

Eric Albone, FRSA, Chair Wales and West and Region by email or on 0117 9247664, or

Ben Castle, RSA Programme Team by email or on 0207 451 6887