Swansea Council has welcomed the Welsh Government’s offer of £200 million as a “game-changer” to help deliver the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.
First Minister Carwyn Jones has made the offer in a letter to Business Secretary Greg Clarke, saying the Welsh Government was prepared to put in cash to “enable the project to move forward”.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the Welsh Government’s pledge makes the proposed lagoon more cost-effective and attractive to Westminster.
He said,
“There is huge support in Swansea, Wales and across the UK for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. It’s a once in a generation project that will transform our economy and the UK’s energy supplies.
“We don’t recognise the figures the Welsh Secretary is quoting when he says tidal is twice the price of nuclear. Our understanding is the £200 million offer from Welsh Government which the Welsh Secretary has been aware of for some weeks, allows tidal in Swansea to be priced at the same as nuclear in Hinckley.
“If the deal is good enough for nuclear in England it should be good enough for Tidal in Wales!
“This is a game-changer and I hope the UK Government recognises it because we cannot let this opportunity slip through our hands.”
Cllr Stewart said the lagoon would help the UK lead the world in the energy industry at a time when there was economic uncertainty post-Brexit.
“The proposed lagoon is an innovative project that will give the UK the lead over the rest of the world in producing sustainable, clean energy.
“This is the chance to develop new technology to produce energy that can be exported across the world and give Britain an economic edge.
“This will be supported by a strong British supply chain that guarantees jobs and gives us energy for generations to come.
“The Government’s own independent review said it was a no regrets policy so let’s grab the opportunity and deliver a ground-breaking project for Swansea, Wales and the UK.”
