RSA Wales and Western Region
Website http://www.rsawaw.org
The Royal Society of Arts is registered as a charity in England and Wales 212424
The British Science Association
Website http://www.britishscienceassociation.org
The British Science Association is registered as a charity in England and Wales 212479
A SEVERN BARRAGE OR WHAT?
Options for Renewable Energy from the Severn Estuary
A Public Forum
at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff
This Public Forum coincides with the Government’s public consultation on the first phase of its
feasibility study into whether a power project using the vast natural tidal resource of the Severn
Estuary could be supported and if so on what terms. This would be a major undertaking with long
term consequences for South Wales, possibly for hundreds of years. Five alternative schemes
have been short listed. The purpose of this Forum is to provide an independent platform and the
necessary information to allow all interested people to form their opinions and to convey them to
government, both through this meeting and directly. The consultation closes on 23rd April, 2009.
PROGRAMME
18:00 Welcome
Eric Albone, FRSA, RSA and British Science Association
Rudi Plaut, CBE, FRSA
18:05 Overview of Severn Tidal Power Options
James Colcombe, Severn Tidal Power SEA Study Manager, Parsons Brinckerhoff
18:20 Severn Barrage and Other Options: Hydro-environmental Impact
Roger Falconer, FRSA, Halcrow Professor of Water Management, School of
Engineering, Cardiff University
18:35 Tidal power in the Severn: can we maximise output while minimising risks and impacts?
Morgan Parry, Head of WWF Cymru
18:50 Severn Tidal Power – The Environmental Unknowns
Michael Evans, Policy and Strategy Manager – Climate Change, Environment
Agency Wales
19:05 Economic Benefits of the Severn Barrage
Brian Morgan, Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Wales Institute Cardiff
19:20 Coffee/Tea Break
19:40 Question Time Discussion
20:30 End – followed by Buffet Dinner
NOTE:
17:00 – 17:45 Optional visit to large physical model of the Severn Estuary (with Barrage),
located in Cardiff University’s School of Engineering. The model is on display, just over the
road from the venue (opposite O’Brien’s coffee shop), and delegates will be shown the
model by Professor Falconer. Tea will be provided.
Contact for further information, Prof Roger Falconer FRSA, falconerra@cardiff.ac.uk, 02920 874280
Outcomes from this Forum will be forwarded to the Consultation. Participants will also be
encouraged to submit their own views direct to the Consultation. Full details are available on
http://severntidalpowerconsultation.decc.gov.uk_study_overview . A copy of the Severn Tidal Power
Consultation Document can also be obtained free on charge on-line or phone: 0845 015 0010.
Endorsed by
RSA Wales and Western Region
Website http://www.rsawaw.org
The Royal Society of Arts is registered as a charity in England and Wales 212424
The British Science Association
Website http://www.britishscienceassociation.org
The British Science Association is registered as a charity in England and Wales 212479
TO BOOK A PLACE
Please complete this slip and return with both a stamped addressed envelope and cheque for
£15.00 per person
made payable to RSA Wales and Western Region. Please send your
payment to: RSA, Northmace House, Viaduct Road, Cardiff CF15 9XF
The Royal Society of Arts is registered as a charity in England and Wales No 212424
Please reserve ……………places at A Severn Barrage or What? on 8 April 2009
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PLEASE RETURN BY 1st APRIL, 2009
