This conclusion follows the fairly dismissive approach to tidal power in the DTI's recent Energy Paper 62 (see Renew 90). The 'preliminary feasibility study' on the Duddon, carried out by consultants for ETSU, in effect completes the exercise. It concluded that if the project were to proceed "further additional benefits would need to be found by way of wider social and economic aspects of the project, which would require local authority involvement".
Its acceptability would depend on a "detailed environmental assessment, consideration of the statutory and regulatory constraints for its construction and operation, and its overall financial and economic feasibility" , with the last item, it seems, effectively wiping it out, at least for the moment. That seems a pity.
A barrage at the mouth of the estuary could generate over 200 million kWh per year, about 1 per cent of Norweb system needs, with consequent savings in polluting emissions from displaced fossil fuels. But the unit cost of generation, at an 8 per cent discount rate, is estimated as 11.8p/kWh. If regional and environmental benefits are included a unit cost of 8.7p/kWh is estimated for the same discount rate, assuming these benefits could be accrued directly to the project.
An alternative barrage alignment between Askam and Millom would produce about half the electricity but the regional benefits would be proportionately larger, the main one being a public road across the estuary. This would relieve environmental pressures from the existing trunk road at the head of the estuary and improve significantly the road access to the West Cumbrian coast opening up the opportunity for possible regional developments.
But, for the moment, short term economics dominate, and it seems that tidal barrages have been written out of the UK energy agenda.
As we noted in our review of Energy Paper 62 and R82 in Renew 90, the Wye barrage was seen as the cheapest option, at 6.8p/kWh on an 8% discount rate, compared with 7.1p for the Mersey, 7.2p for the Severn and 8.7 for Conway. However R82 noted 'ministers have declined to support further development of the project'.
Similarly for the Mersey, so Duddon stands even less chance. Copies of the Duddon report, which was published in June, can be obtained from ETSU Enquiries Bureau; 0235 433601.
The levy would put around 1p on each £10 worth of typical consumer purchases. The proposal came from Sir Sydney Lipworth from the Producer Responsibility Group, an alliance of packaging, manufacturing and retailing companies. If accepted it might enable around 58% of packaging waste to be recycled, or used as fuel.
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