Parsons Brinckerhoff launches Call for Evidence on Severn tidal power

Published: 2008-05-14

London, United Kingdom (14 May 2008) – Parsons Brinckerhoff, the international engineering consultancy which is managing the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study, has announced a public Call for Evidence in relation to tidal range schemes in the Severn Estuary.  

A consortium led by Parsons Brinckerhoff was appointed earlier this month by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to manage the strategic environmental assessment and related engineering elements for the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study.

The call for evidence covers two separate but related elements:

• Call for Proposals is an invitation to submit proposals for new and / or updated tidal range power proposals in the Severn Estuary.  The Call for Proposals extends from 12th May to 13th June 2008.
• Call for Information on the environmental and other impacts for tidal range power generation in the Severn Estuary.  This invites interested parties to submit information, which either exists or is under development, which could potentially contribute to the evidence base for the initial appraisal of schemes and the SEA. The Call for Information extends from 12th May to 11th July 2008.

Details of both calls, their requirements and submission details can be obtained from the following web address http://www.pbworld.co.uk/index.php?doc=627

Further information can also be obtained from the cross-government group led by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform at the BERR web site on the Feasibility Study – www.berr.gov.uk/energy/severntidalpower. 

Notes to editors:

1. The Parsons Brinckerhoff consortium comprises a number of specialist organisations experienced in environmental, engineering and cost consultancy and research.  The consortium’s senior management team will be led by Peter Kydd, Parsons Brinckerhoff’s director of planning and environment and includes Matthew Nott (Black & Veatch), Mike King (The Environment Council) and Bill Cooper (ABPmer).  Parsons Brinckerhoff has also appointed John Hartley (Hartley Anderson) to co-ordinate the interfaces between the Severn Tidal Energy SEA and BERR’s Offshore Energy SEA. 
2. Parsons Brinckerhoff’s contract extends for two years. During the first phase of the study, PB’s team will consider all tidal range technologies proposed in response to the Call for Proposals.   Tidal range is the vertical difference between the highest high tide and the lowest low tide (up to 14 metres in the Severn Estuary). Electricity is generated by impounding a large volume of water on the high tide and then passing this water through turbines once a height difference is created.  Operation is similar to a hydro-power plant, the main difference being that tidal power plants produce energy in synchronization with the tides – the resultant power is therefore intermittent but predictable and reliable.
3. There are two main tidal range technologies - barrages and lagoons. A Severn Barrage would require the construction of a dam and associated navigation locks from the English to the Welsh coast over the Severn estuary. There are several proposed locations for such a barrage including between Cardiff and Weston, as recommended by studies in the 1980s, which would have a capacity of 8640 Mega Watts and an estimated output of 17 Tera Watt Hours a year - providing around 5% of current UK electricity demand. A tidal lagoon is an artificial impoundment that would be constructed in shallow water areas with a high tidal range.
4. The SEA itself will follow the requirements of the EU directive on strategic environmental assessment and will provide critical data and analysis to assist in the determination of the best all round option for tidal range power generation in the Severn Estuary.
5. A critical issue in the selection of one or more preferred options  aside from the value and cost of energy produced, is the interplay between the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives and the achievement of targets set out in the draft EU renewable energy directive and the UK’s climate change bill, both of which seek reductions in carbon dioxide emissions to limit the impacts of climate change.
6. Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) is a global leader in developing and operating infrastructure around the world, with 12,000 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of clients and communities across Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and the Australia-Pacific region.  Clients come to PB for a wide range of advice, skills and resources in strategic consulting, programme management, environmental services, planning, engineering, construction management and operations.  For over a century PB has earned a distinguished reputation for delivering world-class infrastructure and its technical expertise in transportation, power, community development, water and the environment. 
7. Black & Veatch is a leading global consulting, engineering, and construction company.  We undertake work that betters the quality of peoples’ lives through the services we deliver in the water, power, environmental and telecoms sectors.  Through the way we act and the projects we undertake, the company seeks to ensure a sustainable future. In this way Black & Veatch is realising its mission: Building a World of Difference.
8. The Environment Council is a charity dedicated to consensus based decision making.  It works to put environment at the heart of people's choices, decisions and aspirations. With nearly 40 years' experience of raising awareness, training, and facilitation, and providing a forum for dialogue, The Environment Council demonstrates what is possible, helping all kinds of organisations make the difficult and complex decisions needed for a sustainable future. 
9. ABPmer is a leading UK marine environmental consultancy creating sustainable solutions for the marine environment. They have an excellent track record in managing and contributing to integrated environmental studies across a wide range of industries. They also undertake focused and strategic research for Government and its Agencies.  They are based in Southampton and provide services across the UK and overseas
10. Hartley Anderson has unparalleled experience of the management and conduct of marine SEAs. Since 1999 the company has completed seven SEAs of UK offshore hydrocarbon licensing areas, an SEA for UK onshore licensing, as well as plan level Appropriate Assessments. The company is active in marine ecological research and is a leader in the environmental management of a variety of marine industries.
11. Details of other members of PB’s consortium will be made available as appointments are confirmed during the course of the studies. 

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