After a brief historical review of previous proposals to erect a tidal power station in the Severn estuary, the work of the 1978 Severn Barrage Committee is described in detail, based on its 1981 report. More recent information about the benefits and risks of the proposal are reviewed. Construction, including turbines, benefits, including employment, tourism, and economics are all dealt with in detail, as are environmental aspects. The recommendation of the committee, for an immediate start of a major design and acceptability study, was not accepted.
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