Potential developers of a massive US$880 million tidal power project have submitted an application to construct the plant on the Welsh coast, HydroWorld.com has learned.
The developers, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon Power Ltd., propose a 6-mile-long, 35-foot high semi-circular sea wall that would enclose an area west of Swansea Marina.
The group says turbines dotting the wall would provide a capacity of 250 to 350 MW 16 hours per day, powering as many as 107,000 homes.
Should the Welsh government approve the plan, SBTLP says the project could be connected to the country’s national grid by 2017.
First, however, SBTLP officials say they will need to address a number of issues concerning the project, including its effects on fish and seals, erosion and boat access.
If built, the project will be privately financed by a consortium including SBTLP, Atkins Engineering, Van Oord, Costain and Sgurr Energy.
The group says local consultation on the project will begin early next year, with a development consent application being sent to the Planning Inspectorate in summer 2013.
HydroWorld.com reported in August that another Welsh project — a 300 kW hydropower plant in Gwynedd County — had received a US$2 million investment from Albion Ventures LLC.
