The Proposal

Solway Energy Gateway is exploring the feasibility of constructing a tidal energy generating mechanism 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 250 – 300MW at this point.

 

 

A range of options are being considered including, barrages generating on ebb only and in two-way modes and the newly conceived tidal reef concept. It is unlikely that tidal stream devices could be deployed at this point due to the depth of water required for their operation. 

           Vertical Axis:                      Venturi                          Low Head -Reef
  

Significantly the proposed 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.
Given the experience of the La Rance barrage at St Malo in France predictable energy could be produced for 14 of every 24 hours.
The proposal also points out the potential to also act as:

• Flood defence mechanism
• Hydro scheme, should it ever be needed in the future, thus creating a significantly sized freshwater storage area
• Road/rail and utilities link improving connectivity between South West Scotland and North West Cumbria
• Major visitor attraction
• Re-branding and development opportunity for the Solway region. Linking with the 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 has enough energy to provide all the power that is needed locally and make a significant contribution to the UK energy requirement

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

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.

Based on an annual average an estimated 1.9 billion gallons of freshwater flow into the upper reaches of the Solway basin every 24 hours.

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.