The UK Government has given planning consent for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project – the first project of its kind in the world.
The news is a major step forward for the project, which is being developed by Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc. While it still has a number of hurdles to overcome before being fully consented, CEO Mark Shorrock, said the project was becoming a ‘reality’.
"We now have some further permissions to secure and must successfully conclude Contract for Difference (CfD) negotiations on our way to financial close, but the vision is now closer to reality than ever before and our delivery team is readying itself to start on site and start delivering for Swansea Bay next spring.," Shorrock said.
The 320MW tidal lagoon project would include construction of a six mile long wall, 410m turbine house and sluice gate structure. Chinese firm China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) was recently named preferred bidder for the £300 million marine works package on the project, with British construction firm Laing O’Rourke expected to be awarded a £200 million contract to build the turbine house and sluice gate.
