Plans for an £11bn tidal power station off the Somerset coast have sparked debate, with the architect of the London Eye proposing a 14-mile arc from Minehead to Watchet. Julia Barfield's design would harness the second-highest tidal range in the world using 125 underwater turbines, generating up to 2.5GW—enough to power two million homes.
The West Somerset Lagoon aims to meet surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, which the government estimates could more than double by 2050. Barfield noted that datacentres could double energy demand, making predictable renewable sources like tidal power essential. The structure would also include a path for walkers and cyclists, a marina, lido, and observation tower.
Local MP Rachel Gilmour, backing the plan, said the pathway would become 'absolutely iconic'. Designers have suggested installing datacentres within the structure for cheap seawater cooling, alongside oyster beds, floating solar panels, and a coastal amphitheatre to boost Minehead's economy.
Consortium CEO Aidan Clegg said investors are ready but need government support. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said they are open to well-developed tidal proposals that demonstrate value for money, while the AI energy council explores low-carbon power for datacentres.
Tidal power is more predictable than wind or solar, and the lagoon is expected to last 120 years, producing cheaper electricity than nuclear. The project is the latest in a series of Severn estuary proposals, following earlier lagoons and a full barrage plan that raised environmental concerns.
