Tidal lagoon plan for the Severn could power new jobs across the West of England
Mayor Helen Godwin says the project could unlock billions for the region's economy
A plan to explore building a tidal lagoon in the Severn Estuary has been welcomed by the Mayor of the West of England, who says it could bring new jobs and growth to the region.
Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), the economic development body for South East Wales, has approved exploratory development studies for the project, which is being seen as a step towards one of the UK's most significant renewable energy opportunities.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority, said the Severn Estuary was "an extraordinary natural asset" and that the time had come to let the tides "power new jobs and growth in both England and Wales".
"Building on the Commission's recommendations, we have worked closely with Cardiff Capital Region to identify a key Welsh location as the right project to lead with, while ensuring the unique environment of our coast remains at the heart of plans," she said.
She said the investment from Wales was "exciting news for everyone" and underlined how tidal energy could "unlock billions" for the economy and create jobs, skills opportunities and supply chains "across the West of England, Wales, and the UK".
What is being proposed
CCR is committing up to £6.4 million over the next three years, using City Deal funds, to support the first phase of the project.
That phase will include an environmental, engineering, modelling and commercial study into the scheme.
Aberthaw, in the Vale of Glamorgan, has been identified as a potential site, chosen for offering a balance between energy potential and environmental considerations.
According to initial estimates, a lagoon at the site could generate around 600MW of predictable renewable electricity, enough to power around half a million homes, and operate for more than 120 years.
The project could also generate around £3.5 billion in economic value, according to CCR, supporting thousands of jobs and creating opportunities for businesses across the supply chain.
With one of the highest tidal ranges in the world at 14.5 metres, CCR said a wider programme across the Severn could ultimately provide up to 5GW of renewable energy generation, equivalent to power for up to four million homes.
The scheme follows recommendations from the independent Severn Estuary Commission, which was set up to explore how tidal energy in the estuary could be unlocked responsibly.
Dr Andrew Garrad, of the Commission, said the estuary had "immense energy potential" but that any project "must be done in the right way", with the environment "at the heart of how the project is designed and developed".
The project has emerged from joint work between CCR and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA).
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair of Cardiff Capital Region, described the scheme as "a potentially game changing moment for renewable energy generation in the UK".
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said the project presented "an opportunity" for Aberthaw "to help lead the transition to a low-carbon future".
The UK Government's Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, said the project would help the country "understand how tidal technology can contribute to the transition to clean power", while Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Kinnock said he looked forward to "following the development with great interest".