Initial plans for a tidal barrage across the River Wyre in Lancashire, north-west England, have the go-ahead in a landmark deal with the Queen’s estates in the Duchy of Lancaster. The Wyre Tidal Barrage will be the UK’s first across a river estuary and, at a cost of £200m, claims to be one of the least expensive energy projects in Great Britain. The deal grants exclusivity rights to project managers Natural Energy Wyre Ltd to build a tidal barrage across the river and means that the project is now able to move forward to the funding and planning application stage.

The barrage is strategically positioned for optimum energy extraction with the maximum flood defence potential for local residents. The span of the proposed barrage is just 600 meters and the average tidal range of approximately 10 meters, making it the most economic site for this purpose in the UK (based upon a basic kW/£ generating cost). The barrage will have an installed capacity of 90MW/hr of electrical energy from six turbines in a single construction spanning the mouth of the river, from Fleetwood to Knott End, powered by the twice-daily movement of the tides. Over its 120-year lifespan, the barrage will provide electricity for tens of thousands of UK homes and help the UK government towards its EU commitment to deliver 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020.

Graeme Chalk, head of project management for The Duchy of Lancaster, commented: “This project reflects the Duchy’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the use of renewable energy. We look forward to working with the team at Natural Energy Wyre as they take this project forward to deliver the full range of benefits proposed. Once planning and development issues have been resolved, the tidal barrage will provide a source of green and affordable energy for many years to come.”

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