HARNESSING THE TIDES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 87, 7 January 1920, Page 8

HARNESSING THE TIDES

SEVERN ELECTRICAL SCHEME,

The 'Water Power Resources Committee of the British Board of Trade is making a very thorough study of ihe problem of harnessing tidal rivers and utilising them for the developriient of electrical power. In<an interim report, published some months ago. mention was made of the possibilities afforded in this respect by the Severn estuary. Since then the committee has given consideration to the details of the Severn scheme, and while its investigations havo not yet been concluded, it is quite clear that there are several novel and difficult problems to lie overcome before the question can be decided whether tidal rivers can be harnessed for power purposes on a commercial basis. These problems: are more or less general to all tidal schemes —that is to sny, tliey relate to the turbine section and the electrical generating section, as distinct from the purely local characteristics, such .as tho nature of the. foundations required, the dimensions of the barrage, navigation, fisheries, and other matters. There are in Britain several sites which are favourable for the development of tidal power on quite a large scale, and from the point of view of coal conservation and general industrial requirements it is thought preferable to consider iirst the larger schemes rather than to deal with small individual proposals. The committee is proceeding on lines calculated to determine whether it is possible to solve the general problems already referred to at a cost which will ensure a successful commercial undertaking. Once this has been determined individual schemes will lie looked into to see how far they-are commercially practicable. Tho committee has taken the Severn .scheme as a test case because of the conditions with regard to tidal range and tho proposed situation of the power installation, which are considered to bo very favourable. Not only are the conditions suitable in these respects for the development of electrical energy, but, taking into account the extensive.radius, including many cities and towns, which would be served, the facilities for the disposal of the power are regarded as extremely favourable. Further, a considerable amount of Admiralty data exists regarding the tides and general formation of the Severn estuary, and this has enabled the committee to carry out its studies much more easily than in the case of another site. The Severn scheme, it may bo added, provides for the construction of a dam strong enough to carry railway lines and a motor road, which would greatly increase transport facilities between' the West of England and South Wales.