Tidal Lagoon Argumentative Essay

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iii. EU legislation
i. Habitats Directive has been often criticised to obstruct large-scale renewable infrastructure. We are opposed to this idea as we consider the EU Birds and Habitat Directives to present a transparent and robust legal framework for renewables deployment. It is primordial that for each sustainable development, environmental impacts regarding the technology design and the location considered should be initially assessed to provide that the impacts on Natura2000 sites could be limited or mitigated. Application of the Habitat Directive Article 6(3) and 6(4) preclude that in the case that there are no less-detrimental alternatives to achieve the public interest, Habitat Directives does not prevent development even when mitigation …show more content…

Tidal Lagoons position
i. Tidal lagoon is an innovative approach worth considering. We welcome opportunity’s exploration, working closely with Tidal Lagoon Power to investigate the benefits and identify the risks present with this kind of project. Similarly to tidal range, lagoons use hydropower turbine technology to produce renewable energy from tides’ movement, whilst maintaining the environmental impacts within acceptable limits. ii. However, even if they impede the environment to a lesser extend, tidal lagoon still will modify the Bristol Channel coastline, disturbing the current stream, which in turn will effect the intertidal habitats, flood danger and sediment movement. There are no lagoon schemes constructed yet anywhere in the world, therefore it is crucial to continue investigating the potential adverse environmental and social effects to mitigate them. iii. We support the development of such technology, but believe that implementing such schemes prematurely can prevent the full benefits of this technology. Therefore, we recognise the importance of monitoring and computer modelling to first confirm the current …show more content…

RSPB and the Severn Embryonic Technologies Scheme
i. In 2010, we welcomed the Severn Embryonic Technologies Scheme investigation part of the Feasibility Study. However, we believed that it was under-represented in the overall study and did not receive sufficiently finance (£0.5m out of the £20m). Also, we were disappointed to not see any of these schemes present from the full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). ii. We strongly encourage the Government to invest substantially in research and development on low environmental impact renewable energy such as tidal streams technologies such as tidal fence, offshore wind energy, and wave energy. Doing so, the Government encourages the engineering community to develop designs which are more environmental benign. iii. Due to incomplete knowledge regarding the different technologies environmental impacts and the potential irreparable damages to biodiversity, we believe that a step-by step approach is more prudent regarding the clean energy production infrastructure

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