This article was first published in Marine and Maritime Gazette.
On 12 January 2017, the Government released the findings of the independent review it commissioned into the feasibility and practicality of tidal lagoon energy in the UK ('the Review'). The Review was led by former energy minister Charles Hendry and concluded that the 'tidal lagoon programme could play a competitive role as part of the UK’s energy mix alongside low carbon energy from nuclear and offshore wind.'
The Review also strongly supported the construction of a smaller pathfinder project (under 500 MW) as soon as is reasonably practicable. Urging the Government to capitalise on work already done in respect of the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, Hendry recommended that the Government now move to a timely ‘final-stage negotiation’ to explore robust and satisfactory terms that might be acceptable to both the developer and the Government.
The Government is currently considering the recommendations of the Review following which it will “determine what decision is in the best interests of the UK energy in the long term.” (Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark). The Government's response will then be published.
The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, received consent through a Development Consent Order in June 2015 (a marine licence is still required). If constructed, it will be the first tidal lagoon in the world and the UK will be well placed to become world leaders in the field. It is a 350 MW pathfinder project, of 16 hydro turbines in a 9.5 km breakwater wall, which its developer's say would generate electricity for 155,000 homes for the next 120 years. The scheme cost is approximately £1.3 billion and forecasts indicate that the lagoon could bring 2,200 jobs in the five years it would take it to be built. If the project is successful, there are a further five larger tidal lagoon projects planned at Cardiff, Newport, Bridgwater, Colwyn Bay and West Cumbria.
Further key recommendations and conclusions from the Review include:
Although it may be some years, before a largescale Tidal Lagoon is constructed in the UK, the construction and operation of the pathfinder lagoon at Swansea Bay would make the UK leaders in the field and represent a huge and exciting step forward for the UK Energy Market. Therefore it is hoped that the Government will follow the Review recommendations and that the required marine licence is granted shortly by Natural Resources Wales, allowing construction to commence in 2017.
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