By Mary Velan
Gov1
What Happened?
A manmade tidal lagoon project is in the works in the UK, with the goal of harnessing indigenous, low carbon electricity from tidal waves to create a sustainable source of long-term energy.
Goal
The Seven Estuary holds the second highest tidal range in the world and Swansea Bay experiences an average tidal range during spring tides of up to nearly 28 feet. One organization is building a tidal lagoon in this area to collect the natural energy generated by the tides to secure lower electricity costs, while providing economic and recreational benefits to the local economy. According to the project website, the goals of the project include:
- Constructing the first manmade, energy-generating lagoon able to create 320 megawatts of electricity and 14 hours of power daily
- Providing clean, renewable power for more than 155,000 homes for the next 120 years
- Connecting large-scale tidal power to the National Grid
- Contributing to national carbon emission reduction targets by saving more than 236,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually
- Developing a world-leading tidal range industry in the UK
- Creating employment and tourism opportunities in the region
- Conserving and rehabilitating local ecosystems and biodiversity
- Protecting the coast from floods
The tidal lagoon would close off a tidal sea area with a harbor-like structure. The lagoon would house hydro turbines that generate electricity as the sea naturally passes through them.