A feasibility study to evaluate options for harnessing tidal energy on the Solway Firth is to be commissioned by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Scottish Enterprise and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority it was announced today (2nd July). The £100,000 study will look specifically at the concept of the ‘Solway Energy Gateway’ which would extract energy from the Solway Firth by means of a tidal range barrage located between Bowness and Annan.

The Solway Firth has been the focus of previous studies, going back to the 1960s, looking into the possibilities of using the area for tidal energy capture. Commenting on the announcement Allison MacColl, Key Sectors Team Leader at Scottish Enterprise said: “Scottish Enterprise is pleased to offer support to this project to establish the viability of a tidal energy extraction scheme on the Solway Firth which will assist with meeting Scotland and the UK’s targets for increased renewable energy generation.

“This study should also help identify the potential scale of economic benefit for the regions either side of the Solway whilst taking account of the status of the Solway Firth as an area of outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance.”

The proposed location for the Bowness and Annan barrage is along the route of a former rail viaduct, spanning the upper reaches of the Firth at its narrowest point. This location also provides the advantage of a possible grid connection at the nearby Chapelcross nuclear power station which is currently being decommissioned.  

The study will assess additional benefits as a result of the project. These include:

• Significant economic development impac
• Immediate employment and associated employment opportunities
• Flood defence
• Potential for freshwater storage and extraction
• Unique tourism opportunity offering re-branding and promotion of the region
• Improved connectivity for West Cumbria and South West Scotland – if linked to possible constructions across Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary it would help to create an enhanced connective corridor for West Cumbria and South West Scotland.

A Solway Energy Gateway Steering Group is currently being put in place, with representation from organisations and individuals from both side of the border, funders and interested parties from the public and private sector. This will provide a forum for peer review of progress.