Local government representatives from both sides of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary are working together to explore the region’s offshore renewable energy resources.
The respective councils of Bristol, Cardiff, Devon, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Newport, North Devon, North Somerset, Sedgemoor and West Somerset have formed the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary Energy Group to oversee their strategic cooperation.
The group will promote a holistic and incremental approach to developing projects, in line with the Bristol Channel Energy – A Balanced Technology Approach paper, commissioned by Bristol City Council in 2012.
The group said membership is open to any local authority that has an interest in the sustainable development of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary.
It will meet on 9 December at the Sustainable Severn roundtable with environmental and economic stakeholders, including industry, project developers, academia, and regulatory bodies.
Bristol City Council energy service director Bill Edrich said: “We have long recognised the energy potential of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, and are closer than ever to harnessing it.
“It makes sense for local authorities play a role in driving these offshore developments sensibly and in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this unique resource. The establishment of the Energy Group will help us to achieve that.”
Newport City Council cabinet member for regeneration, investment and housing
John Richards said: “This scheme proposes to treat the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary as an holistic energy system.
“We look forward to seeing how multiple technologies could be deployed over time to harness the range of energy resources throughout these waterways, in a way which generates significant energy and economic benefits for the region, and is in-balance with the environment and other marine users.”
Image: surfers harnessing the power of the Severn Bore (Severn Estuary Partnership)
