Last week the First Minister announced significant financial support from the Welsh Government to kick-start plans for Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. Marine Energy Wales welcomes this as a positive step forward for Tidal Lagoon Power, and for the marine energy industry.
One year on from the Hendry Review, Carwyn Jones has committed to a substantial investment to cover some of the tidal lagoon’s capital costs, whilst urging UK government to give the project the green light. He said,
“This would be the world’s first tidal lagoon power plant, which would create thousands of high quality jobs, supply a significant proportion of the UK’s energy needs and position Britain as a world leader in a new global industry. And, yet, the UK Government has been dragging its heels for over a year.”
Marine Energy Wales strongly supports this announcement from the First Minister which adds to the wider support for marine energy in Wales. David Jones, Project Director said, “With this announcement Welsh Government have shown they are willing to back the lagoon, not just with policy and warm words but with investment.”
With the additional €100 million prioritised for wave and tidal stream in 2014 and upcoming plans for the £76 million Pembroke Dock Marine project through the Swansea Bay City Deal, Wales is providing one of the most supportive marine energy landscapes across the globe.
Martin Murphy, Chair of Marine Energy Wales added, “Welsh Government recognises the role marine energy can play in boosting the maritime economy, supporting supply chain innovation, diversification and clustering and the opportunity to export Welsh and UK products and services to a global market.”