Pre-release Materials 2025: Morecambe Bay Different Perspectives (AQA GCSE Geography) : Revision Note
Different perspectives on the Morecambe Bay development
There are several different stakeholder views on the proposed development of tidal barrages across Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary, including:
Northern Tidal Power Gateways
Local people in Barrow in Furness and Morecambe
Wildlife Trust
RSPB
Energy consultants
Each of these groups may be for or against the development
Northern Tidal Power Gateways
The Northern Tidal Power Gateways (NTPG) supports the development, as they were the organisation to propose it
They argue that the development will provide:
reliable energy supply, enough to supply 2% of the UK's electricity needs
improve the infrastructure vastly reduce journey times from Lancashire to South Cumbria
" The North West had played a world-leading role in the nuclear sector and we now have the opportunity to launch a new era of leading the world on tidal power, while at the same time making a major improvement to the infrastructure of Cumbria and North Lancashire."
Chief Executive Northern Tidal Power Gateways
The NTPG also stated that they will help preserve the wildlife habitats from the potential threats of sea level rise and coastal flooding
The environmental considerations will be an important part of the development
“We recognise the vital importance and value of the ecology and wildlife in Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary and will do our utmost to protect it when we deliver the tidal range power scheme.”
Communications Director, Northern Tidal Power Gateways
Local people in Barrow-in-Furness and Morecambe
The views of local people vary
Barrow-in-Furness and Millom are both areas with high levels of deprivation, poor health and a decreasing population
Some people believe that the development will lead to improvements and so are in favour of the barrage
"We would have a decent route out of here for starters. The road is shocking and it’s not safe. To go to Barrow at the moment takes 40 minutes and if I went across the water, it would take 10."
Mayor of Millom
“I think it would be an amazing thing for Morecambe and Barrow and it would open up the North West.”
Heysham North Ward councillor
Other local people oppose the development
They believe that people from Barrow and Millom are less likely to use the services there if they can easily travel to Lancaster and Morecambe instead
"If people can go across a bridge and get to Morecambe and Lancaster much quicker, I think that could kill Barrow."
Barrow Council Labour member
"Innumerable fish, eels, salmon and shrimp could be harmed in the turbines and the impact of the construction would be massive, creating greenhouse gas emissions from concrete, quarrying and transport."
Local former science teacher
Wildlife Trust
The Wildlife Trust oppose the development at Morecambe Bay unless there is significant new habitat creation the barrage will negatively impact the wildlife in the area
They highlight the international importance of the sites for migrating birds
“Morecambe Bay is an internationally important site for its wintering wildfowl and waders; birds arrive from all over the northern hemisphere to spend the winter here. Anything that affects the tidal regime of the bay affects the birds using it and these effects are not local; they are international."
Conservation Manager, Cumbria Wildlife Trust
RSPB
The RSPB have several concerns about the barrage development due to the potential impact on local and migrating birds
They highlight the importance of the range of habitats in Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary for wildlife but also in combating climate change
They also recognise the importance of renewable energy
"[Morecambe Bay] provides a safe haven for over a quarter of a million birds. It is hard to think of a place more deserving of protection. ”
"... an exciting project with lots of potential in helping tackle the climate crisis. However, it is vital that decision makers do not overlook the damage it may do to wildlife .... and the intrinsic value of natural habitats such as salt marsh that are also effective in combating the effects of climate change."
Spokeswoman for RSPB England
Energy consultants
Energy consultants suggest that the Morecambe Bay development has the potential to generate significant amounts of renewable energy
The supply of energy is predictable, unlike wind and solar
The energy generated could provide 2% of the UK's energy needs
"The big advantage of tidal power is its predictability."
Hydroenvironmental Consultant, Cardiff University
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important that when you are examining an issue, you consider a range of different viewpoints from stakeholders. Ensure that you have knowledge and understanding of some of the key stakeholders in the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary development.
Arguments for and against the Morecambe Bay development
Background
Energy consumption overall in the UK has fallen but electricity consumption continues to increase
The UK is currently a net importer of energy, which means it is energy insecure
Energy bills in the UK are increasing due to higher gas prices
The UK has significant tidal energy potential; estimates suggest it could provide 11% of the country's electricity
For the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary development
The development of the tidal barrage will:
Create over 12,000 jobs in the region
Provide energy for 2 million homes
Reduce travel time from the M6 at Lancaster to the A595 in Cumbria from 2 hours to 30 minutes
Save over 750,000 litres of fuel each year
The travel distance between Lancashire and south Cumbria would be reduced by 50%
Reduce traffic congestion on the M6
Tidal energy is renewable which means that it will not run out
Once construction is complete there will be no greenhouse gas emissions
The barrage has a predicted lifespan of 120 years (a wind turbine has a lifespan of 20 years)
Fibre optic and power lines could be incorporated into the barrage, improving infrastructure in south Cumbria
Tidal energy is predictable; it works well at all times of the year, in the dark and all weather conditions, unlike solar and wind
It will help reduce regional inequalities improving accessibility and infrastructure in the region
The barrage will help protect against future sea level rise and coastal flooding
Against the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary development
The tidal barrage will affect natural tidal flow, which could affect the movement of sediment in and out of Morecambe Bay
Intertidal mudflats could be affected, which will affect the food supply for local and migrating birds
There are concerns that marine wildlife may be injured by the turbines
Construction of the barrage will impact the surrounding habitats
Shorter travel times from Barrow-in-Furness and Millom to Lancaster could impact businesses in Barrow and Millom reducing the numbers of customers as people go to the larger city
Summary
The issue
The UK faces increasing energy security issues
The demand for electricity is predicted to increase over the coming years
The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Wind and solar energy play an increasing role in electricity generation but:
Rely on specific weather conditions
The panels and turbines have short life spans
The energy trilemma
The 'energy trilemma' is a framework used to guide energy policy
It aims to achieve three objectives in any new energy development:
Environmental sustainability – that the development does not cause long-term damage to the environment
Energy security – that the population's energy needs are met with an uninterrupted supply
Affordability – energy production costs are such that the whole population can afford the energy and that they are not in energy poverty
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In the exam, questions may ask whether the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary proposal will solve the 'energy trilemma'. You need to use the resources to consider whether it meets each of the three objectives.
The future
No final decision has been taken on the development
In April 2024, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero agreed to meet with local Cumbrian MPs to discuss the proposed development
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You will be asked to decide on the issue in the last question. This issue could centre on several possible points, such as:
Whether the possible harm to a region of such environmental significance is justified because of the UK's energy crisis
Is the growth of Morecambe Bay sustainable? Sustainability in the economy, society, and environment must all be taken into account.
Which information from the resource booklet would support the decision to not go ahead and why? Which stakeholders would agree with this decision?
These will be mostly environmental factors
Stakeholders such as the RSPB and Wildlife Trust
What are the environmental, economic and social benefits that mean the development should go ahead and why?
Stakeholders with this view may be local people wanting improved infrastructure, energy consultants and the developers themselves
Make sure that you reach a conclusion that summarises your main points and reinforces your decision.
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