The scheme for proposals like tidal reefs and fences, and other potential ideas for the River Severn, is being managed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Welsh Assembly Government, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the South West of England Regional Development Agency.

The tides in the Severn estuary are said to be among the highest in the world and have the potential to deliver some 5% of the UK's electricity.

A public consultation is underway on a proposed shortlist of schemes to generate clean, green electricity from the power of the tides in the Severn estuary. The shortlist includes a mixture of barrages and lagoon schemes. The Government has made clear it will consider the progress of embryonic technologies before any decisions are taken on whether to support a Severn tidal power scheme.

The £500,000 Scheme is designed to deliver:

• A support package which will comprise expert advice and grants for both small and larger organisations;
• An assessment of potential in terms of technical feasibility and environmental and other impacts, and
• A route map to deployment for promising technologies.

Details of how applicants can apply will be available to download from the Severn Tidal Power Consultation website.