Wales' First Minister, Carwyn Jones, has called on the UK Government to green light the £1.3 billion Swansea Tidal Lagoon project.

Speaking with tidal lagoon's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Shorrock earlier today, 11 January, Mr Jones offered to provide the investment needed to kick-start the scheme.

In January last year, the Hendry report concluded there was "considerable value in a small pathfinder project" as tidal lagoons "can play a cost effective role in the UK's energy mix".

Mr Jones has also sent a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, offering to cover some of the tidal lagoon's capital costs and urging the UK government to give the project the go-ahead.


However, any investment by the Welsh Government would be conditional on the UK Government agreeing to an appropriate contract for difference arrangement and the project securing any necessary licenses and consents.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "This would be the world's first tidal lagoon power plant, which would create thousands of high quality jobs, supply a significant proportion of the UK's energy needs and position Britain as a world leader in a new global industry.

"And, yet, the UK government has been dragging its heels for over a year. This is leading to a growing sense of frustration among the Welsh business community and an increasing risk that the lack of a decision will turn into a decision not to proceed.

"Now is the time for the UK government to stop stalling and get on with agreeing a strike price so we can make this transformative project a reality."

Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive Officer at Tidal Lagoon (Swansea Bay) Plc said: "This is the breakthrough our project has needed. We thank the First Minister and his team for their leadership.

"We look forward to working alongside the Welsh Government to now close the deal for Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon with the UK Government."

(LM)