20 December, 2024
The Severn Estuary Commission have been busy engaging stakeholders across the country in preparation to deliver their recommendations to Government in March. In this blog, Andrew Garrad, Chair of the Commission, talks about what we’ve been working on over the last couple of months.
The Commissioners and I are continuing to work with a wide range of different organisations in our effort to deliver a recommendation on the potential for tidal energy in the Severn Estuary by March 2025.
We appointed several firms to build our evidence base around four key issues: environment, energy, finance and socio-economic impact.
Through a series of visits, meetings, and discussions with key stakeholders, the Commission has gained a deeper understanding of regional projects. Below is an update on some of our most recent activities.
Liverpool Combined Authority
The Commission and Secretariat were invited by the Mersey Tidal Power team at the Liverpool Combined Authority to meet. They gave us an in-depth look into their tidal energy project and their perspective on the potential of tidal energy development across the UK. We are grateful for their time and the insights we gained were valuable. They provided lessons in both challenges and opportunities relevant to potential tidal power advancement for the Severn Estuary.
RSPB / Gwent Levels Commission Meeting
The following day, we were hosted by the RSPB and Natural Resources Wales at Pye Corner, where the focus was on the Gwent Levels on the banks of the Severn. This unique wetland landscape is both a sanctuary for wildlife and a flood barrier, integral to local area’s ecological resilience.
We discussed the Living Levels Programme, aiming to reconnect people and communities to the Gwent Levels and provide a sustainable future for this historic and unique area. The visit highlighted the environmental and social significance of such wetlands in balancing development and conservation—a key theme in our work with the Severn Estuary.
Severn Estuary Forum
The Commission was delighted to attend this year’s Severn Estuary Forum hosted by the Severn Estuary Partnership in Gloucester. Three Commissioners attended this meeting and one, Madeleine Havard provided an update on the Commission’s recent progress and described the ways in which stakeholders can become involved in our work. The forum showcased innovative projects, research, and policy updates relevant to the Severn Estuary. It was energising to witness the collective commitment from stakeholders and community members, all dedicated to the estuary’s sustainable future.
2024 Convention for the Western Gateway
In mid-October, the Commission held a panel at the 2024 Convention for the Western Gateway, presented by SSE Energy Solutions, co-chaired by the leaders of Newport Council and Bristol City Council.
The convention brought together over 600 business, academic and local authority leaders from across South Wales and Western England alongside both UK and Welsh Government Ministers. It was a key meeting for the area to discuss how it tackles future challenges in a changing world such as delivering sustainable economic growth.
Our panel session comprised representatives from various local authorities and The Crown Estate, creating a platform to discuss the Commission’s progress and strategic direction. We discussed how to strike a balance between sustainable growth, environmental protection, and renewable energy needs across the Severn Estuary. Leaders from Bristol and Newport underscored the importance of regional priorities and community engagement, emphasising that these considerations will shape the path forward on both sides of the border.
In addition to these events, the Commission and its consultants have engaged in one-to-one discussions with a range of stakeholders, including:
Ports: Bristol Port, AB Ports, and Sharpness Port.
Industry and Infrastructure: South Wales Industrial Cluster, South West Infrastructure Partnership, Renewable UK, Marine Energy Wales, Tidal Range Alliance, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and many others.
Environmental Bodies and Agencies: Natural Resources Wales, Natural England, Environment Agency, Welsh Government, Cefas, MMO, RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, and others.
These conversations have been instrumental in highlighting the complex challenges and opportunities associated with tidal energy in the Severn Estuary. Stakeholders brought forward a range of perspectives, from habitats and species conservation to supply chain and port impacts, enabling the Commission to better align with local needs and sustainability goals.
Looking Forward
The Commission’s recent work reinforces our commitment to a collaborative, balanced approach as we consider our recommendations for the future of the Severn Estuary. We have made good progress so far and we are eager to continue these dialogues with all our partners.
Please follow our website and Western Gateway’s LinkedIn and X pages for more updates as we work towards publishing our final recommendations in March next year.
Andrew Garrad, Chair of the Severn Estuary Commission
