The Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) has called on the UK Government to back tidal lagoon technology.

The organisation is lending its support to the six proposed renewable energy schemes in the wake of the government-commissioned review on the sector.

The Hendry Review is assessing the strategic case for tidal lagoons and whether they could play a cost effective role as part of the UK energy mix.

In a response, the ECA said that tidal lagoons offered the "complete package" of long lifespan, high flexibility, and very high energy predictability.


The trade body added tidal power could help the country meet its carbon reduction targets as well as maintaining UK energy capacity and security, with the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay scheme capable of powering 155,000 homes.

While the cost of the Swansea tidal lagoon is expected to be the same os the £18 billion Hinkley Point nuclear power station, follow up schemes are likely to fall sharply due to "anticipated cost savings and efficiencies".

The ECA's Director of Business, Paul Reeve said: "A key part of the UK's low carbon energy mix has to be renewables, and tidal power offers the opportunity for Britain to be world leaders in this increasingly attractive route to electrical energy production and energy storage.

"The ECA urges the government to show its commitment to energy security and tackling climate change by supporting a potentially game changing renewable energy sector in Wales."

(LM/CD)