A former UK energy minister has completed a review of tidal lagoon energy technology and submitted a final report to government.
Charles Hendry was tasked with assessing the feasibility and practicality of tidal lagoon energy in the UK and whether it could play a cost-effective role in the UK’s energy mix. In a statement he said that he had visited a number of sites of potential tidal lagoon projects around the UK, and received almost 200 responses to a call for evidence.
“I have taken account of all of this information in coming to my conclusions,” said Hendry. “I am aware of the high expectations created by potential tidal lagoons, particularly in Swansea. Nevertheless, government must have some time to fully consider my recommendations and to decide how to respond.”
There is a strong case for tidal range power around many parts of the UK’s coastline, including particularly south Wales, north east England, the Wash and Lincolnshire coast, the Thames estuary and the Sussex coast. Developers include Tidal Lagoon Power, which has proposed a number of projects around the coast of Wales and northwest England.
The review also examined supply chain opportunities, potential financing structures and whether a first of a kind project could be delivered through a competitive process.
Hendry said he submitted his final report to the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
BEIS has not said when the report will be published.
