The renewable energy potential of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary is to be analysed and promoted under a groundbreaking agreement signed by local government chiefs from the West of England and South Wales.
It is the first time the opportunity of harnessing the vast offshore resources of the estuary has been officially recognised in this way. 
The Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary could potentially contribute as much as 14GW of low carbon energy to the UK’s energy mix, according to experts. That would be around 4% of the total energy needs of the UK and equivalent to the entire amount of power likely to be generated from solar in the UK by 2020.
However, there are huge challenges linked to the estuary’s complex and unique mix of environmental and economic assets as well as its activities and stakeholders.
Local government chiefs recognised that they will need to play an increasing role in protecting and enhancing these are energy projects are introduced and will need to work closely with central Government, project developers and other stakeholders.
Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset joined other authorities from Cardiff, Somerset, Newport, North Devon, Sedgemoor and West Somerset to form the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary Energy Group to oversee their strategic cooperation. Other local authorities are expected to join group in the future.
The group will meet next Wednesday to draw up ‘guiding principles’ with environmental and economic stakeholders including industry, project developers, academia and regulatory bodies.
The resulting will integrate with strategic work carried out in related initiatives such as the Severn Estuary Partnership stakeholder group.
Bristol City Council energy service director Bill Edrich said: “Local authorities are facing pressure to decarbonise and to make their constituencies increasingly resilient. These have been principal drivers for Bristol in its year as European Green Capital 2015, and will continue to be so.
“Developing offshore renewables locally will not only help us to reduce carbon emissions, but with the operational lifetime of tidal lagoons potentially exceeding 100 years, it will also create long-term economic growth and expertise in the region.
“We have long recognised the energy potential of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, and are closer than ever to harnessing it. It makes sense for local authorities play a role in driving these offshore developments sensibly and in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this unique resource. The establishment of the Energy Group will help us to achieve that.”
