Tidal energy study

Engineering consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff is to explore options for tidal energy generation across the Duddon Estuary in South Cumbria. The study, for regeneration organisation Britain's Energy Coast West Cumbria, seeks to identify the best options for any potential development.


Tidal barrages, fences, reefs and other innovative technologies will all be considered along with the potential for a road link between Millom and Barrow-in-Furness. Parsons Brinckerhoff will review the findings of previous studies, while taking into account the interest in tidal energy and the renewable energy and carbon reduction targets.

Previous studies have suggested the Duddon Estuary has potential to generate around 100MW of energy – enough to power in the region of 200,000 homes – and provide a new transport link that would cut 17 miles off the current journey between Millom and Barrow.

This latest study for a Duddon Estuary tidal energy scheme will examine options from an energy, infrastructure and environmental perspective. It will assess the suitability of tidal technologies, set against the cost of development and the potential environmental impact of any scheme. It will also set options against the need to update Cumbria’s connection to the National Grid and to improve transport links in Furness and West Cumbria to support the Britain’s Energy Coast initiative.

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