The idea of a barrage across the Severn Estuary has been debated since 1849. ... (40% of UK electricity should be generated from renewable sources by 2020 if EU targets are to be met).

A 10-mile barrage across the Severn is among five projects on a shortlist of potential schemes to harness the tidal power of the estuary published by the government today. The Severn Tidal Barrage.
Plans for a £25bn barrage in the Severn Estuary are … Guest post by Alex Terrell, who along with Andy Dawson wrote the series of “UK electricity 2050” guest posts Energy Matters published in 2016. Image caption Hafren Power's plan is for an 18km (11 miles) barrage between Cardiff and Weston-super-Mare . Speaking to the House of Commons’ energy and climate change committee, Hunt was answering questions about the proposed Severn Barrage schemes.Hunt said Media caption Neath MP Peter Hain says the UK government has refused to commit to the barrage. A government minister has cast doubt on whether the proposed Severn barrage should go ahead. The plan for a Severn Barrage has been heavily criticised by MPs. That debate will go on but many will conclude that Hafren Power's current proposal is dead in the water. Severn Tidal Barrage. Backers of a £25bn plan for a River Severn tidal energy barrage … Alex outlines an approach to constructing the Severn Barrage that replaces high-tech turbines with low-tech water wheels and which offers potential for increased output, lower costs and reduced storage requirements.