Green light for world's first tidal lagoon

What might be the world’s first ever tidal lagoon energy project – to be built in Swansea Bay by British company Tidal Lagoon Power – has been granted planning permission by the Energy Secretary Amber Rudd. The announcement is a significant step towards commencing construction, with a number of major contractors named as preferred bidders. At least 50% of the contracts will go to British companies, says the developer.

If or when built, the tidal lagoon would have a power generation capacity of 320 MW.

Using the predictable daily motion of the tides, it would provide clean, home-grown electricity for 14 hours a day for 120 years, and will only require government support for an initial 35 years, says marine energy trade association RenewableUK. The next hurdle for Tidal Lagoon Power is to secure this support in the form of a Contract for Difference to guarantee the price of the electricity for this initial period.

Construction of this first-of-a-kind project could be the critical step to kick-starting a tidal lagoon industry, adds RenewableUK. Six potential lagoon locations have been identified around the UK which, combined, could provide up to 8% of the UK’s electricity requirements.