The UK Government is planning to undertake an independent review into the feasibility and practicality of tidal lagoon energy.
Scheduled to commence in spring this year, the tidal technology review will determine the ways tidal lagoons could efficiently contribute to the UK’s energy mix in cost effective way.
The review will also consider potential scale of opportunity including supply chain opportunities in the UK and internationally as well as potential structures for financing tidal lagoons.
UK Energy Minister Lord Bourne said: "Tidal Lagoons on this scale are an exciting, but as yet an untested technology. I want to better understand whether tidal lagoons can be cost effective, and what their impact on bills will be – both today and in the longer term.
"This review will help give us that clarity so we can determine what role tidal lagoons could have as part of our plans to provide secure, clean and affordable energy for families and businesses across the country."
As part of the study, the government will also assess potential competitive framework for the delivery of tidal lagoon projects.
The review will be carried out in consultation with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and HM Treasury for financial aspects.
Additionally, the review is expected to be supported by Tidal Lagoon Power, developers of the proposed 320MW Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project, and other industry stakeholders.
Tidal Lagoon Power CEO Mark Shorrock said: "Energy in the UK has become a completely regulated market where all operators and technology forms – from fossil fuel, to nuclear, to renewable – depend on direct or indirect subsidy.
"All non-hydro low carbon energies – solar, biomass, wind, and especially nuclear – have been conformed to favor foreign providers of the technology. We lose jobs, we lose time. Importantly, we also have lost baseload power.
"The tidal lagoon fleet breaks this unfavorable tradition. We will capitalize on a natural advantage. With speed we will deliver baseload power at a nuclear scale and a lower cost. Today’s review will ensure that we are able to consolidate this understanding in the market."
Scheduled to be commissioned in 2019, the £1bn Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project is expected to provide 500GWh clean and renewable electricity to serve over 155,000 homes.
Image: The Tidal technology study will consider potential scale of opportunity including supply chain opportunities. Photo: courtesy of Gualberto107/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.