The Proposal

December 2011 Proposal Update

The Solway Energy Gateway Ltd (SEGL) flagship project (J0101) is the construction of a tidal energy generating alignment between Bowness on Solway and Seafield, Annan, at the point where a viaduct once spanned the Firth. The Firth is one mile across at this ‘pinch’ point, with the estuary widening on either side of it, consequently the tidal flow becomes concentrated. It has been calculated (Liverpool University) that there could be a capacity for circa 250MW at this point. And, given the experience of the La Rance barrage at St Malo in France predictable energy could be produced for 14 of every 24 hours. Significantly the preferred site is within 3 miles of a major electricity grid connection at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authorities (NDA) site, Chapelcross Power Station, which ceased generating in 2002. The Solway Firth has enough energy to provide all the power that is needed locally and make a significant contribution to the UK energy requirement.

A 2009 2010 feasibility study, by Halcrow, considered a range of options and alignments including: barrages (generating on ebb only and in two-way modes), tidal reefs, fences and lagoons and also at the emerging VerdErg SMEC© technology.

The Feasibility Study, and on-going consultation, has made it clear that a scheme entailing confinement of water and permanent inundation of the salt marsh lands and estuary east of the alignment would not be acceptable.

SEGL and VerdErg have now combined to design and develop schemes utilising the SMEC technology.

SMEC creates a slight rise in the upstream water level as a result of its operation. It is, in effect, a porous weir acting as a venturi pump. This induced head rise (typically around 1m) is amplified around six-fold across the conventional axial flow turbine inside the SMEC. All electrical apparatus can remain above water. SMEC is inherently bi-directional. SMEC only slows the tide ebb and flow thus maintaining the existing biodiversity and ecology. The intention is to design, into any alignment structure, future need possibilities such as a flood defence mechanism or the need for conversion to Hydro scheme thus creating a significantly sized freshwater storage area. Although not part of the initial energy scheme it makes sense to consider value enhancing socio-economic add-ons such as Road/rail and utilities link improving connectivity between South West Scotland and North West Cumbria, a Major visitor attraction and the Re-branding and development opportunity for the Solway region. Linking with Cumbria’s, already established ‘Britain’s Energy Coast’ identity, the ‘Gateway’ region is the centre of the UK. It could also be seen as the ‘gateway’ between Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.

Community

At the heart of the proposal is the aim of community involvement and benefit. Various methods of appropriate approaches to enablement are currently being explored.

Demonstration model and new ways of working

The proposal seeks to demonstrate a new approach to development by demonstrating that the needs of humankind and nature can be effectively balanced. It proposes that the most sustainable view is long term, creating a positive legacy for future generations. It seeks to create a sense of collective ownership and responsibility through demonstrating a new approach to ‘ways of working’.

The Solway Firth is one of the most significant geological areas of the UK.

The Solway has a rich and diverse ecology. As a consequence of its unique environment it attracts the highest ratings of protection (RAMSAR, SPA, SAC, SSSI). Therefore any tidal capture project will have to be very sensitively approached ensuring balance is maintained.

Formed from the convergence of two land masses it was historically known as ‘The Sea of the six Kingdoms’.

Six major rivers and three secondary rivers empty into the Firth. It has one of the largest catchment areas of any UK estuary. It is estimated that 1.9 billion gallons of freshwater flow into the upper reaches of the Solway basin every 24 hours.

SEGL-VerdErg are also developing another 12 smaller hydro schemes based on SMEC technology on rivers and mill races in the Cumbria and South West Scotland regions.

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History

• The Bowness to Annan site was originally considered as the crossing point for the M6 motorway in the early 1960's.
• In 1966 a study was commissioned for an industrial freshwater storage area by the Scottish Office. It was recommended that a barrage be considered utilising siphons to control outflow.
• In the 1980's following a Government backed study the site was considered to be the most suitable to capture tidal energy, by means of a barrage,
• In the 1990's the earlier findings were confirmed by a further study into tidal energy capture.
• Following the Carlisle floods in 2005 retired academics Dr Norman Powell and Dr Martyn Dyer-Smith revisited the 1966 study and suggested that the concept of a barrage could provide a suitable flood defense for Carlisle. They suggested that utilising the technology proposed in the study coupled to turbines could produce useful amounts of renewable energy.
• In 2006 the proposal was developed and promoted by Nigel Catterson suggesting that a community driven project could be an effective way forward. Arranging a cross-border meeting between the relevant statutory agencies interest was expressed and a considered and researched proposal called for. 
• • The succeeding years saw the formation of the project development company, nb21c (social enterprise) Ltd, was formed, latterly leading to Solway Energy Gateway Ltd (SEGL)
  • nb21c (social enterprise) Ltd specialise in projects that benefit the community and to promote the building of sound and sustainable working relationships) is examining various models, structures and ways of engagement to enable and take proposals forward.
  • lobbying and numerous meetings were held; research was coordinated and undertaken by Lancaster and Liverpool Universities.
• 2008 the Northwest Tidal Energy Group was formed; specific tidal energy capture proposals were examined and detailed information gathered on existing schemes.
• In 2008/9 it was agreed by the NWDA, Scottish Enterprise and the NDA to seek funding for a technical feasibility study with a view to the study being completed by the end of 2009.
  • Members of the Scottish Parliament fully support the notion of a community benefits company. NWDA, Scottish Enterprise and the NDA support the role of Solway Energy Gateway as a 'trusted third party' to help facilitate development of the tidal project, working with local community stakeholders. 
• 2010 Halcrow Study published
• 2010 Solway Energy Gateway Ltd formalised with founding members Nigel Catterson, Brian Dawes and David Schofield being joined by Bill Roberts, Fiona Hammond and David Hayes (all ex NDA) .
• 2010 SEGL and VerdErg combine to develop SMEC Technology for Solway Tidal and 12 smaller Hydro schemes tnhroughout Cumbria and South West Scotland

Tidal Power? - Haaf-Net Fishing