WEST Somerset could be transformed if plans for an £11 billion tidal lagoon of the coast between Minehead and Watchet become a reality.
Proposals have been drawn up by the West Somerset Lagoon consortium, which says the project – including a 14 mile-long barrage with 125 underwater turbines – could have a maximum generating capacity of some 2.5 gigawatts, close to the peak output of nearby Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
The consortium said the scheme could generate enough energy to power around 2 million homes – or the entirety of Somerset – each year for 120 years, taking advantage of the world’s second highest tidal range.
“The tidal range is over 10 metres, generating the maximum energy possible while minimising environmental, economic and visual disturbance,” the group said.
The West Somerset Lagoon would span some 14 miles of the coastline between Minehead and Watchet. Picture: West Somerset Lagoon
Environmental benefits would include producing around 2% of the UK’s current energy demand in a zero-carbon way, while providing “protection to areas of the coast that are eroding continuously”.
As well as the energy generation possibilities, the group said the plan could transform the Somerset towns, with designs featuring a host of additional developments which they said could “create an exciting and vibrant extension of the seafront esplanade” in Minehead.
The proposals include a new 300-metre promenade along the coast adjacent to Culvercliff, extending 800m out to sea on the lagoon wall, where there would be a 300-boat marina and harbour.
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Visitors to Minehead could enjoy “shops, cafes, restaurants and commercial buildings, hosting new business and employment opportunities for local entrepreneurs along with the provision of community focused buildings” on the new prom, the group said.
“At the midpoint of the promenade will be an arts centre, an open-air theatre and cinema, open-air heated swimming baths and community sailing club. which will provide a real community provision focus for the scheme,” a spokesperson said.
“The mix of new businesses and public community use offers will provide a vibrancy which will help the local economy diversify and expand beyond the existing leisure offerings creating a new destination in addition to the new marina, harbour and boat repair yard.
“A new visitor centre will be located at the end of the promenade which will accommodate an information and visitors centre with high level look-out by day and a bookable ‘village hall’ community resource at night time thus providing a range of offers for community and visitors alike.”
An arts centre and ampitheatre would boost Minehead, the group said. Picture: West Somerset Lagoon
The plans come as the UK looks to increase electricity generation amid a surge in demand as the AI revolution continues. Experts predict the booming industry could triple data centre power use by 2035.
West Somerset Lagoon’s plans claim to avoid shipping lanes in the Bristol Channel, as well as steering clear of nature reserves and conservation areas.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero chiefs have said they are open to considering proposals for such power generation, provided they demonstrate value for money.
Labour has prioritised increasing the UK’s ability to become self-reliant for energy amid spiralling costs amid the war in Ukraine and more.
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Where is all the transport for this 7 mile trek to the theatre. No cars in these pictures.
Stop procrastinating and get on with it.
Well said. Simple no-brainer, technically practicable and sustainable too. How many could be done around our high tidal coastline?
A great idea, the area proposed is basically economically dead and of little environmental interest in comparison to the benefits this will bring
Good idea. We need more renewable energy yes.
Tidal power is predictable and reliable unlike wind and solar power so yes. Get on with it!!
What a fantastic plan, it will be so beneficial for Minehead and Watchet. A great opportunity to make this part of the country a good place to visit, lifting Minehead into a fashionable up to date venue for all ages.
What a joke. They can’t even re-surface the roads or repair the link that fell into the water at Watchet.
Too true mate
Care for the citizens first
Another project…..ahhhhhhhhhhh, As with other projects in Somerset the hype is mind blowing.
This will totally ruin the essence of this unspoilt retro seaside town. Turning it into any other ghastly seaside resort.
l am wondering about enclosing the water as you can see what has happened in Watchet Harbour since the marina wall has been erected ,the areas were there will be little flow of tide will see the channel mud build up you will be forever dredging otherwise you are going to loose water capacity.
Would be interested in comments.