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River Severn: Tidal Power

Volume 486: debated on Monday 12 January 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate DTZ made of the (a) employment cost and (b) cost to the local economy of the Cardiff-Weston Barrage in its economic impact assessment presented to the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study; and if he will make a statement. (246400)

The aim of the DTZ study is to provide an initial assessment of the potential economic impacts of proposed Severn Tidal Power schemes, including a Cardiff-Weston barrage, on the regional economies of Wales and the South West of England. In assessing economic impact the study has focused on those sectors that are expected to be most significantly impacted by tidal power development. Where possible, impacts have been quantified in terms of employment and gross value added variances.

I plan to consult on the interim findings of the Severn Tidal Power feasibility study early in the new year; the DTZ report will be published at the same time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which consultants have been commissioned to work on the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study; in what area of work each has been commissioned; and when he plans to publish their reports. (246401)

A consortium led by Parsons Brinckerhoff were awarded the contract to manage a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Severn Estuary and initial technical options assessment.

In addition, PricewaterhouseCoopers were appointed to advise on how a Severn tidal power scheme could be financed, the potential ownership options and possible government support mechanisms. DTZ were also appointed in collaboration with MDS Transmodal and Arthur D. Little to undertake an initial assessment of the potential regional economic impacts of a Severn tidal power scheme.

Subject to internal review these reports will be published alongside the public consultation in early 2009.