Atkins leads lagoon project

Firm has been appointed to provide specialist design and engineering support

Atkins has been appointed to act as a client engineer on the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project in Wales – the first renewable energy scheme of its type in the world.

Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay wants to take advantage of the 8.5-9m tidal range in Swansea Bay, constructing a 10.5km-long lagoon that could enclose 11km² of water, producing a net annual output of 400GWh.

Power would be generated by water flowing from the sea into the lagoon through turbines. When the tide drops, the water collected is allowed to flow back towards the sea.

Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay has appointed Atkins to provide specialist design and engineering support, including producing outline designs for the breakwater, turbine house and ancillary works while also supporting the tender process by helping to develop documents as well as reviewing responses and designs. 

Once a design and build contractor is appointed and the construction work, scheduled for Spring 2015, starts, Atkins will also provide a range of site supervision, auditing and technical checking services. Mike McNicholas, managing director of Atkins’ UK design and engineering business said: “There are strong arguments for increased energy capacity and more self-sufficiency – and the need is pressing. This scheme can move tidal lagoons from being a great idea to something real which can deliver green and reliable energy for thousands of homes and businesses all over the UK within the next few years.

“This is a major engineering project which combines a wide range of disciplines from building services, power and architecture to structural and marine engineering. It’s a world first, and something which will make a positive difference to people in the UK, and possibly wider afield. As designers and engineers, these are the things that make us get out of bed and it’s great to be part of the team.”

Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay has spent three years working on aspects such as coastal processes, social economics and tourism benefits. 

Environmental and planning applications for the projects were submitted earlier this year, with the government’s Planning Inspectorate now examining the proposals. Lastly, the go-ahead would need to come from energy secretary Ed Davey.