tech
December 28, 2025
London Eye architect proposes 14-mile tidal power station off Somerset coast
West Somerset Lagoon would harness renewable energy for UK’s AI boom – and create ‘iconic’ arc around Bristol Channel
TL;DR
- A 14-mile tidal power station arc is proposed off the Somerset coast, from Minehead to Watchet.
- The £11bn project would use 125 underwater turbines to generate 2.5GW of power, sufficient for 2 million homes.
- This initiative aims to meet the rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
- The design includes a pathway for cyclists and walkers, a water-sports marina, a lido, and an observation tower.
- The project could potentially house datacenters, benefiting from seawater cooling.
- Plans also involve developing oyster and mussel beds, solar panels, and a coastal amphitheatre to boost the local economy.
- The West Somerset Lagoon project is presented as a predictable and reliable renewable energy source, expected to last 120 years.
- Funding is contingent on government support and acknowledgment of the proposal's viability.
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