New tidal energy 'fence' plan for Bristol Channel - between Aberthaw to Minehead
Plans have been put forward for a new tidal energy scheme across the Bristol Channel - located between Aberthaw in Vale of Glamorgan to Minehead in the West of England.
The developers Kepler Energy say it would cost £143m for the "tidal fence" and it could be operational by 2020/21.
The technology would be underwater and "akin to a water mill" developed by Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science for use in shallower tidal waters around the UK coastline.
Kepler says the project would create jobs in the carbon fibre industry as well as create new and skilled jobs in Wales and the West Country.
Kepler Energy, which holds the global licence for the technology, is trying to raise funds to take the project forward.
It claims the Bristol Channel to be an ideal location for its first scheme.
Kepler has shared its outline plans with a range of stakeholders including the Department of Energy & Climate Change, the Welsh Government, The Crown Estate and Bristol City Council. It will embark on a wider stakeholder consultation programme later this year.
Kepler says the energy produced will be cheaper than lagoons, and in time, cheaper than offshore wind.
Watch: A prototype "watermill" that would be used in the tidal fence.