8 Conclusions
117. The evidence presented to us in this inquiry
leaves the case for the Hafren Power barrage proposal unproven.
Hafren Power has yet to provide robust and independently verified
evidence of the economic, environmental and technological viability
of the project. The overall socio-economic impact of the scheme
remains uncertain. In its current form Hafren Power's proposal
fails to address environmental and commercial concerns in enough
detail to allay the concerns of stakeholders and the wider public.
Crucially, Hafren Power has failed to demonstrate that the project
could offer value for money for the consumer in line with other
low-carbon energy sources such as nuclear and off-shore wind.
118. Nonetheless, the Government should remain open
to considering any marine project in the Severn which is able
to comply with the requirements of the relevant EU and UK legislation
— including a potential barrage scheme. A project that would
deliver renewable energy on the scale that Hafren Power's proposal
aspires to, could be the knight in shining armour that the UK
energy mix needs. Harnessing the energy of the Severn would offer
significant decarbonisation and energy security benefits. However
far more detail and evidence about Hafren Power's proposal is
required before an informed decision can be made. In its present
form, with a very wide range of uncertainties remaining, we do
not recommend its approval. Smaller-scale projects may face fewer
legislative barriers, while still contributing to energy and climate
change objectives and to the development of the marine renewables
industry.
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