Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay is a proposed tidal lagoon power plant (which would be the world’s first one), to be constructed in the south coast of Wales, United Kingdom. Consists in a 'U’ shaped breakwater, built out from the coast which has a bank of hydro turbines in it that would generate electricity on both the incoming and outgoing tides. But, it does not only generate electricity, it can also help to protect the coast.

The project was awarded a Development Consent Order in 2015 and is primed for construction, and is planned to be fully operational in 2018.

  

REASON OF INTEREST

This project is expected to a very favorable increase of energy supply thanks to the development of the new turbine technology. These advances would also be reflected in a better European economy that would be more competitive on the Electricity sector. In addition, the tidal lagoon could contribute to a social impact regarding occupation and tourism.

 

PROBLEMS & OBSTACLES

Due to the need of a massive development to go on with this project, there is a quite high risk of affecting the wildlife and habitats of the areas under the project. Also, the important visual change may be or not pleasant to the inhabitants and/or tourists. This has been overcome thorough environmental impact studies and a list of mitigation means to reduce these impacts.

 

SUCCESS FACTORS

Taking into account the social impact, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon has received widespread support from the local community throughout its six year development, 86% of local people registered their support for the Project. It is expected to become a major tourist attraction and provide positive experiences for residents and visitors.

Considering the electric supply side, the Lagoon could power approximately 90% of homes in Swansea Bay. Moreover, the project is considered a catalyst for regeneration in the Swansea Bay City Region.

 

TRANSFERIBILITY IN MAESTRALE AREA

The lack of transferability relies on the tidal resource, since the tidal range in the Mediterranean Sea does not comply with the requirement to make the project economic viable. This type of project would be highly inefficient for this geographic area, meaning it has a poor transferability to the Mediterranean Sea, although it could bring many meaningful advantages to other areas.

 

 >>> MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MAESTRALE

Maestrale is an initiative co-founded by European funds which is focused on the creation and development of marine or blue energy. Their aim is to promote research and investment in order to expand this kind of energy in the Mediterranean area.