Severn Estuary barrage discussions - graduate jobs

Graduates looking for opportunities in the energy and utilities sector could be boosted by Government talks to build a multibillion-pound barrage across the Severn Estuary.

Initially, proposals for a publicly funded barrage were rejected, but now private consortium Corlan Hafren has entered discussions.

The barrage would be capable of generating 5% of Britain's electrical needs by harnessing tidal power between Lavernock Point, near Cardiff Wales and Brean Down, near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has confirmed that it has been presented with the first draft of a business case for a privately financed barrage.

A spokeswoman said: "This is an interesting proposition, particularly if it can contribute to 2020 renewables targets. We are discussing with the consortium the next stages to develop the outline proposal.

"It will be fully considered by the Government to assess whether the benefits of the project, in terms of economic growth and renewable energy, justify the cost of the subsidy that would be still needed and the environmental consequences for the Severn estuary."