Update on the Innovative VLHTT

SETB Chairman Stephen Prendergast, December 2025

Last Tuesday, 2 December, I had the opportunity to present at the British Hydro Association Annual Conference in Glasgow.

It was a privilege to share our latest design concept and performance results, and I’m delighted to say the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Our new approach has the potential to deliver higher efficiency, lower costs, and faster deployment across UK hydropower projects - exactly the kind of innovation needed to strengthen energy security and accelerate our net-zero transition.

The conversations and enthusiasm in the room made it clear: hydropower can and should play a greater role in the UK’s energy mix.

As the UK continues shaping its long-term strategy, I’m hopeful that leaders such as James Curtis, Chris Stark CBE, and teams across the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero will continue to recognise the value of scalable, homegrown hydropower innovation.

A huge thank you to the BHA, the organisers, and everyone who contributed to the discussion. We’re excited about the momentum and ready to help drive the next steps Severn Estuary Tidal Bar (SETB) Hydropower has more to offer.

Let’s make sure it’s part of the national conversation.