William Eichler 06 June 2018

Swansea welcomes £200m offer for tidal lagoon

Swansea Council has welcomed a £200m offer from the Welsh government to support its tidal lagoon project after Westminster suggested it did not offer value for money.

First minister Carwyn Jones 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, the leader of Swansea Council, said the pledge made the proposed Swansea Bay tidal lagoon more cost-effective and attractive to Westminster.

However, a Whitehall source told the BBC that the offer was not enough to make the £1.3bn project viable.

‘There are offers, and there are serious offers. £200m doesn't really touch the sides,’ they said.

The tidal lagoon was originally backed in January 2017 by a UK government-commissioned report published by former energy minister Charles Hendry.

Since then UK ministers have backed away from the project due to concerns it was not affordable.

Welsh council chiefs have criticised the UK Government’s decision not to progress plans for the tidal project.

WLGA leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox said: ‘WLGA and Welsh councils have been strong supporters of the construction of a tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay over recent years.

‘We have met the developers and supported the work that Swansea council has undertaken with Welsh Government to bring this game-changing project to the city.’

Cllr Wilcox also quoted the conclusion to the Hendry report, which states: ‘I conclude that tidal lagoons would help deliver security of supply; they would assist in delivering our decarbonisation commitments; and they would bring real and substantial opportunities for the UK supply chain’

‘Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of vision and commitment when it comes to the City of Swansea from Westminster,’ she added.

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.

‘This is a game-changer,’ he continued, ‘and I hope the UK Government recognises it because we cannot let this opportunity slip through our hands.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner