Severn Barrage could lead to long-term engineering job boost for Wales

Alongside creating hundreds of engineering and construction jobs over the short-term, the proposed Severn Barrage project could also help to rejuvenate the town of Port Talbot and ensure many more positions open up in the future.

That is according to Cardiff University tidal power expert Professor Roger Falconer, who told a special conference that the Welsh site is the best location for a planned barrage, with the economic benefits to the surrounding region likely to be greater than in other parts of the country.

In particular, should the barrage be built, it could see Port Talbort transformed into a port to rival Rotterdam, with an increase in transatlantic trade likely to boost the engineering job prospects of professionals from Wales and the South West of England.

"The project would not only grab the attention of engineers and environmentalists, but would also be of interest to sovereign wealth funds and other large investors who might not otherwise have any exposure to the Cardiff city region," Professor Falconer told the Cardiff Breakfast Club, according to the Western Mail.

"In addition, the project would give the Cardiff city-region the opportunity to position itself as a leading region for environmental technologies - a sector that is growing in importance year-on-year."

At the same time, however, conservation groups including the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) have warned that the barrage could have a detrimental impact on wildlife along the River Severn.