What is the West Somerset Lagoon proposal?

It's a £11bn plan for a 14-mile tidal lagoon arc off Somerset's coast using underwater turbines to generate renewable energy.

How will the West Somerset Lagoon help with AI energy demand?

The lagoon aims to provide a predictable and reliable renewable energy source to meet the rapidly increasing electricity demand from AI technologies and datacentres.

Who is behind the West Somerset Lagoon project?

The project is spearheaded by Julia Barfield, the architect of the London Eye, as part of a consortium seeking government support and private funding.

Home / Environment / AI Power Surge: UK's Tidal Dream for Clean Energy

AI Power Surge: UK's Tidal Dream for Clean Energy

28 Dec

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Summary

A 14-mile tidal lagoon arc is proposed off Somerset's coast.
The project aims to power the UK's growing AI energy demands.
It features underwater turbines and potential datacentre integration.

AI Power Surge: UK's Tidal Dream for Clean Energy

A groundbreaking proposal for a 14-mile tidal lagoon, envisioned as an 'iconic arc' along the Somerset coast, aims to address the UK's escalating energy needs fueled by artificial intelligence. This ambitious £11bn project, spearheaded by Julia Barfield, architect of the London Eye, plans to utilize 125 underwater turbines to capture the immense tidal power of the Bristol Channel. The initiative seeks to provide a clean, reliable energy source as AI's electricity demand is projected to significantly increase, potentially doubling by 2050.

The proposed West Somerset Lagoon, curving from Minehead to Watchet, would boast a 2.5GW maximum output, comparable to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, and could power approximately 2 million homes. Beyond energy generation, the design incorporates a scenic pathway for cyclists and walkers, a water-sports marina, a lido, and an observation tower. Designers are also exploring the possibility of integrating datacentres within the structure, benefiting from seawater cooling, alongside plans for marine farming and floating solar panels to stimulate local economic growth in an area of deprivation.