I must admit to being somewhat unconvinced about the proposed Tidal lagoon for Swansea bay in spite of its having been said to have received encouragement from the government (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-30283203). Any move to renewable sources of energy is desirable but the construction (concrete and steel for the turbines) does add to carbon dioxide release (it is often several years before the running would make up for this). In addition to the visual impact on what is currently an attractive bay, the construction might well release heavy metals generated in the Industrial Revolution from the sands of the bay, the currents generated by the turbines (as well as being a hazard to humans and animals) might well redistribute sands over the entire Gower, the act of construction would be likely to influence marine mammals in the area and there would be probable impacts on migratory fish (they would be converted into chips) and the wading birds that currently use the SSSI of the bay. This experimental (at this stage) development would also apparently require a high level of subsidy for the generated electricity over several decades. The simulation looks very jolly but what would be response if a wind surfer got caught in the turbine blades?
1 comment:
Would it not also disrupt long shore drift?
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