Britain sinks tidal scheme, names eight future nuclear sites

Britain sinks tidal scheme, names eight future nuclear sites
by Staff Writers London (AFP) Oct 18, 2010 The British government confirmed on Monday it will drop plans for a multi-billion-pound tidal energy project, as it identified eight sites suitable for building new nuclear power stations. An official study said the proposed 10-mile (16-kilometre) barrage stretching across the Severn river, which was to generate energy using tidal power, could cost more than 34 billion pounds (54 billion dollars, 38.9 billion euros).
It described the project as "high risk in comparison to other ways of generating low-carbon electricity", although it said the proposal could be reconsidered in the future.
"Other low carbon options represent a better deal for taxpayers and consumers," said the energy minister, Chris Huhne.

Related articles

• Britain Tidal Power Plan Put on Hold in Statement on Energy Policy (news.sciencemag.org)
• UK Rejects Tidal Barrage, but Smaller Tech May Endure (spectrum.ieee.org)
• UK government axes barrage plan (bbc.co.uk)
• Barrage ditched as new nuclear plants get green light (independent.co.uk)
• Severn barrage ditched as new nuclear plants get green light (guardian.co.uk)