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The massive potential for tidal power from the Severn Estuary to provide low carbon, renewable electricity was highlighted today by Energy Secretary, John Hutton, with the publication of the terms of reference for the Government's feasibility study.

Tidal barrages and lagoons will be looked at in the feasibility study which will analyse the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the possible projects. It will enable the Government to decide whether and on what terms it could support a tidal power project.

The tides are a national resource of free, non polluting energy indefinitely available. This can be harnessed using proven hydro-electric technology and established North Sea construction methods in collaboration with the National Engineering Laboratory and Seven Seas Partners.

As a source of water power, a tidal barrage could complement all thermal plant generating when required to match the steady output economically suited to thermal plant operations. Mainly, the UK is committed to intermittent thermal generation hence to penalties of cost and energy wastage.

We are only four years away from the centenary of what we believe is the first published reference to a tidal power barrage in the Severn Estuary.

This is not to be confused with earlier talk of railway crossings on embankments, at a time when electricity was still a gleam in the scientific eye and was certainly not the all-pervading society-determining facility which it has so quickly become. Where we would be tomorrow if electricity was to be taken away today can presumably be left to fantasy, though there have been moments over the past few decades when the lights have gone out, albeit not for long.