RenewableUK: the world’s first ever tidal lagoon energy project granted planning permission by the Energy Secretary Amber Rudd

LONDON, 15-6-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — RenewableUK is celebrating today’s announcement that the world’s first ever tidal lagoon energy project has been granted planning permission by the Energy Secretary Amber Rudd. The project is scheduled to be built in Swansea Bay by British company Tidal Lagoon Power, which has pioneered the scheme from the beginning.

This 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.

When fully constructed the tidal lagoon will have an installed capacity of 320 megawatts, enough to generate renewable electricity to power 155,000 homes.

Using the fully predictable daily motion of the tides it will provide this clean, home-grown electricity 14 hours a day for 120 years, and will only require Government support for an initial 35 years – less than a third of its lifespan. The next hurdle for Tidal Lagoon Power will be to secure this support in the form of a “Contract for Difference” to guarantee the price of the electricity for this initial period.

Not only could Swansea Bay lagoon save over 236,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year but the construction of this “first of a kind” project could be the critical step to kick-starting a tidal lagoon industry. Six potential lagoon locations have been identified around the UK which combined could provide up to 8% of the UK’s electricity and add up to £27 billion cumulatively to the UK GDP by 2027.

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive, Maf Smith, said: “This momentous news marks the start of an entirely new industry in Britain, which will lead the world in this innovative ultra-modern technology. As a maritime nation, we are perfectly placed to take advantage of the powerful tides surging around our coasts every day, which have great potential to generate increasingly significant quantities of renewable electricity.

Today’s announcement is a major step towards harnessing this untapped energy source on an unprecedented scale, providing clean electricity to the nation for generations to come. It will also provide a massive economic boost with new jobs, economic development and tourism opportunities for the region at the heart of the project.”

Notes:

1. More on Tidal Lagoon Power can be found here: http://www.tidallagoonswanseabay.com

2. Tidal power is an extremely predictable form of renewable energy generation. Tidal lagoon technology traps water at high tide in vast specially-constructed pools and releases it through turbines to generate low-carbon electricity. Water also passes through turbines as the tide comes in generating more electricity. The artificial lakes can be used for leisure activities such as boating, creating a tourist attraction.

3. ‘The Economic Case for a Tidal Lagoon Industry in the UK’ report by Cebr July 2014 says that a tidal lagoon industry could provide as much as 8% of the UK’s electricity demand and that overall GDP impact from the operation of six lagoons could be as much as £27 billion accumulated between 2015 and 2027. The report can be read here: http://www.cebr.com/reports/tidal_lagoons-2/

Media Contacts:

• Jennifer Webber, Director of External Affairs, 020 7901 3012 or 07792 463445
  
• Robert Norris, Head of Communications, 020 7901 3013 or 07969 229913
  
• Adam Wentworth, Communications Officer, 020 7901 3038 or 07791 702 702

RenewableUK is the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association, specialising in onshore wind, offshore wind and wave & tidal energy. Formed in 1978, we have an established, large corporate membership ranging from small independent companies, to large international corporations and manufacturers. Acting as a central point of information and a united, representative voice for our membership, we conduct research; find solutions; organise events, facilitate business development, and promote wind and marine renewables to government, industry, the media and the public. Our vision is for renewable energy to play a leading role in powering the UK.