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PLANS for a 10-mile barrage across the River Severn have taken another step forward.

Consulting firm, Parsons Brinckerhoff, have been chosen to head-up research on how the environment around the river would be affected if a barrage were built.

The firm, which will lead a consortium to conduct the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), was appointed by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

In January John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Energy, announced the need for a feasibility study, which will take two years to complete.

Peter Kydd, consortium leader, said: "The Feasibility Study is reviewing all the available evidence to assess the benefits and impacts of power generation from tidal range technologies such as barrages and lagoons, and aims to enable Government to decide whether, and if so on what terms, it could support such a scheme.

"As with any renewable energy project, it is vital to balance the benefits of achieving reduced carbon emissions against the potential environmental impacts of the project itself.

"This will be a major aspect of the SEA and will include an early review of potential environmental mitigation measures. We will be working closely throughout with all interested parties including key stakeholders and the public."

Parsons Brinckerhoff will now gather information on proposals of tidal power schemes for the River Severn and on environmental, technical, commercial and social issues affecting the estuary.

The Government claims the River Severn provides the largest potential for renewable electricity generation.

Mr Hutton, said: "A Severn tidal power project could be larger in size, output and cost than any other energy project in this country.

"It has the potential to generate up to 5 percent of the UK's electricity demand and contribute significantly to the proposed EU renewable energy targets.

"It's therefore vitally important we undertake the most thorough and exhaustive study and contract the right companies to take this work forward."

It is thought, if built, the barrage would stretch between Cardiff and Weston and could create 40,000 jobs.

8:30am Friday 9th May 2008

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