Plans for a large-scale tidal lagoon project in Wales took a significant step forward in March when the developer kicked off the official planning process for the scheme.
Tidal Lagoon Power has unveiled plans for a proposed scheme of 1800-2800 MW in size featuring a 22 km-long breakwater and 70 km2 lagoon between Cardiff and Newport.
The firm has submitted an environmental impact assessment scoping document for the scheme and also says that it is in the early feasibility and engagement stages for the delivery of four other full-scale tidal lagoons in the UK.
Together with a proposed tidal lagoon scheme in Swansea Bay, these schemes could meet eight per cent of the UK's total electricity requirement for 120 years, said Tidal Lagoon Power. Mark Shorrock, its CEO, said that it would apply the expertise and learning gained from planning the Swansea Bay project to develop the Cardiff proposal.
"There is still a long way to go and many environmental surveys to undertake but we will work in partnership with all nature conservation bodies so as to understand, avoid, minimise and mitigate any environmental impacts," said Shorrock.
"Full-scale tidal lagoon infrastructure gives the UK an opportunity to generate electricity from our amazing tidal range at a cost comparable to fossil fuel or nuclear generation," added Shorrock. "We have the best tidal resource in Europe and the second best worldwide. We now have a sustainable way to make the most of this natural advantage."
The Cardiff scheme would feature up to 90 turbines and capture the energy generated from a lagoon with a 9.21 m tidal range. The lagoon has a design life of 120 years, would generate power for approximately 14 hours each day and could be on-line in 2022.
Tidal Lagoon Power Limited expects to submit a full planning application for its Cardiff scheme in 2017, with a decision then expected in 2018. The lagoon will take up to five years to build. The company estimates a strike price requirement of £90-£95/MWh for the project under the UK's contracts for difference (CFD) scheme.
Sian Crampsie
Linkedin
