Welsh Lib Dems: Why is BEIS blocking Swansea Bay tidal lagoon?

Following Vince Cable’s query to Phillip Hammond on the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, serious questions exist as to why BEIS is blocking the development of a network of lagoons that is approved by the Treasury, according to Welsh Liberal Democrats.

The MP for the Twickenham constituency, Vince Cable, asked the Chancellor Philip Hammond for the reasons “why the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is blocking the development of tidal lagoon network,” to which he received a reply that the decision will be made in “due course.”

Now, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are stating that BEIS must stop blocking the lagoon, and the the UK government must end its dithering and get behind what Welsh Liberal Democrats call a “crucial project,” the leader of Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said.

“The Swansea Tidal Lagoon is supported by the Hendry Review, local businesses and Assembly Members and MPs from all parties. We now know it is also supported by the Treasury. BEIS must stop blocking the lagoon and the UK government must end their dithering and get behind this crucial project.

“Having already cancelled rail electrification to Swansea, the UK government cannot neglect South Wales again by failing to approve the lagoon. If there is money for a £1 billion deal with the DUP and for infrastructure projects across South East England, there is money for the Swansea Tidal Lagoon. How much longer must the people of Wales wait before they receive a fair deal?,” said Dodds.

The Swansea Tidal Lagoon is considered as a pathfinder project that could pave the way for lagoons across Wales from Newport to Colwyn Bay.

These lagoons have the potential to make Wales a world leader in tidal energy, bringing untold environmental and economic benefits to their communities, Wales and the UK in the process, according to Welsh Liberal Democrats.

As reported earlier, one year on from the Hendry Review, the First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones committed to a substantial investment to cover some of the tidal lagoon’s capital costs, while at the same time urging the UK government to grant the project the green light.

The developer behind the lagoon, Tidal Lagoon Power, is still awaiting subsidy agreement with the UK government to move ahead with the project.

The company also needs to obtain permit from Natural Resources Wales to begin with any marine works related to the project.

The proposed £1.3 billion Swansea Bay tidal lagoon will have the capacity of 320MW. If constructed, it will be capable of generating electricity for 155,000 homes for the next 120 years.