Marks Barfield Architects proposes UK tidal power station to reduce reliance on fossil fuels

Marks Barfield Architects, the British architecture studio behind the London Eye, has unveiled designs for a tidal power station on the Somerset coastline that it says could curb the UK's reliance on fossil fuels.

Working with West Somerset Lagoon, Marks Barfield Architects' proposal includes a 14-kilometre semi-circular tidal barrage containing 125 turbines, topped with a pedestrian and cycle path connecting the towns of Watchet and Minehead.

Currently in the concept development stage, the West Somerset Tidal Lagoon power station would generate renewable energy by harnessing the power of the Bristol Channel's 12-metre tidal range, if it gets backing.

Marks Barfield Architects director Ian Crockford told Dezeen that the West Somerset Tidal Lagoon could provide energy security to the UK, particularly at a time when infrastructure for energy-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) is set to grow.

"We are currently raising awareness of the scheme for the public and government alike," said Crockford. "The motivation is to take advantage of the untapped energy of Bristol Channel Basin, which has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, to create clean, renewable, secure, cost-effective and predictable energy that will last 120 years."

"The driving factor is not solely AI energy demands but is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel energy sources within the current grid mix and provide a sustainable and reliable alternative that benefits our energy security for future generations."

The design features cultural and sports facilities at the Minehead end of the West Somerset Tidal Lagoon, including an observation tower, visitor centre, arts centre, lido, outdoor cinema, shops and restaurants, which aim to add public space in the area.

Marks Barfield Architects also suggested water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing and wild swimming could take place in the lagoon due to the calmer waters within the barrage.

The studio claims the power station would provide enough renewable energy for two million homes.

Founded in 1989 by David Marks and Julia Barfield, notable projects by Marks Barfield Architects include the London Eye and the i360 observation tower in Brighton.

Other power stations that have been featured on Dezeen include a power plant by Schmidt Hammer Lassen that was topped with a rooftop walkway, and BIG's ski-jump-topped power plant, which we named the most significant building of 2018.

The images are by Marks Barfield Architects.

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