Research released on 16 May shows very strong backing for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon among members of parliament and local town councillors for the ruling Conservative party, with more than 83% saying they support the project.
The ComRes research, commissioned by Tidal Lagoon Power, surveyed 150 MPs from across the UK (61 Conservative), and 303 Conservative councillors across England and Wales.
Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, which featured in the Conservative party manifesto, will, if developed, be the first power station of its kind in the world, opening up a new option for the UK energy mix.
It is most important that the UK’s energy choices secure reliable and long-term power, according to Conservative MP respondents. These are also the attributes they most associate with tidal power. They recognise the project as a potential first step towards a large new source of power that is both secure and long-term. On cost, a similar majority think the impact on today’s energy consumer would be relatively small and could be managed. The vast majority also acknowledge a role for subsidies in helping new technologies become competitive.
Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon is world-first 320 MW pathfinder project to open up the option of a fleet of larger tidal lagoons capable of generating renewable electricity at a scale and low cost not seen before.
