The Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay is developing a tidal lagoon project in Swansea Bay, South Wales, which is set to become the world’s first tidal lagoon power plant. It aims to generate electricity by harnessing the ebb and flow of tides in the estuary of the United Kingdom’s longest river, the River Severn.
The United Kingdom-based firm said recently the power plant could provide low carbon electricity for 155,000 households, or equivalent to 90 per cent of Swansea Bay’s annual domestic electricity use, for 120 years. It could also reduce UK’s carbon emissions from energy by over 236,000 tonnes every year.
To generate power, the firm will build a 9.5 kilometer-long sea wall or a breakwater infrastructure, equipped with a turbine technology that will harness the ebb and flow of the seawater in the lagoon. The power plant will have a capacity of 320 megawatts, and is expected to commence operations by 2015 and provide power by 2018, said the firm.
It also received backing from local community non-profit group Active Supporters Group, who said the development provides new hope for the community of Swansea Bay, which has been dependent on coal mines, steel works and chemical plants for decades.
The tidal lagoon masterplan, designed by London 2012 Olympic Park designer LDA design, will also include an aquaculture centre to hatch oysters and lobsters. It will also offer eco-tourism opportunities with a community venue for education and the arts as well as water sports and recreation.
