Cardiff lagoon power project progresses

Turbines could provide installed capacity of between 1,800MW and 2,800MW

Plans to build a gigantic tidal lagoon in Cardiff Bay with an installed capacity of between 1,800MW and 2,800MW have taken a step forward with the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment report.

Tidal Lagoon Power want to construct the UK’s first full-scale tidal lagoon power plant comprising up to 90 turbines set within a 22km breakwater that will enclose an area of around 70km2 with an average tidal range of 9.21m.

The western landfall would be approximately 2km from the entrance to Cardiff Bay and the Eastern landfall would be approximately 2km from the mouth of the River Usk. The lagoon will have a design life of 120 years, and could generate power for approximately 14 hours each day, from 2022.

The 400+ page Environmental Impact Assessment scoping document seeks comment on all of the survey work proposed to support an eventual planning application for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure project. Site selection and feasibility studies for the project began in 2011, with a dedicated engagement team established in 2013.

Tidal Lagoon Power has also confirmed that early feasibility and engagement work is underway relating to the delivery of five other full-scale UK tidal lagoons at Swansea Bay, Newport, West Cumbria, Colwyn Bay and Bridgwater Bay. Together, its fleet of lagoons could meet 8% of the UK’s total electricity requirement for 120 years, said the company.

Mark Shorrock, chief executive of Tidal Lagoon Power, said: “Full-scale tidal lagoon infrastructure gives the UK an opportunity to generate electricity from our amazing tidal range at a cost comparable to fossil fuel or nuclear generation. We have the best tidal resource in Europe and the second best worldwide. We now have a sustainable way to make the most of this natural advantage.

“The Cardiff Tidal Lagoon would be capable of working in harmony with nature to supply around 1.5 million UK homes, now and for generations to come, with affordable, reliable, low carbon electricity. There is still a long way to go and many environmental surveys to undertake but we will work in partnership with all nature conservation bodies so as to understand, avoid, minimise and mitigate any environmental impacts.”

Tidal Lagoon Power Limited expects to submit a full planning application for Tidal Lagoon Cardiff in 2017, with a decision then expected in 2018. The lagoon will take up to five years to build. The company estimates a CFD strike price requirement of £90-£95/MWh for the project.