

Is this finally the moment for UK tidal power?
13 snips May 1, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Garrad, Chair of the Severn Estuary Commission and expert in tidal energy, explores the potential for tidal power in the UK, highlighting new plans for a tidal lagoon in the Severn Estuary. Caroline Steel, a science journalist, shares intriguing science news, including a revolutionary blood test for Alzheimer's and the controversy surrounding the innovative 'Torpedo Bat' in baseball. They also touch on geological phenomena such as supershear earthquakes. Together, they uncover the exciting intersection of science and technology.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
UK's Untapped Tidal Energy
- The UK has a huge, predictable tidal energy resource, especially in the Severn Estuary with the second largest tidal range globally.
- Tidal energy is clean, stable, and only requires simple engineering like walls and turbines, unlike nuclear power.
Barriers to UK Tidal Power
- Major obstacles to UK tidal power are the high cost and environmental impact, especially from barrages.
- Previous tidal commissions recommended barrages, but these impact ports and ecosystems, causing no schemes to proceed.
Lagoon vs Barrage Explained
- Barrages completely block estuaries, while lagoons are partial and cause less disruption.
- Both trap and release water via turbines; technology is conventional with very low engineering risk.