Research released today shows overwhelming backing for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon among Conservative MPs and Councillors, with more than four in five saying they support the project (84% of Conservative councillors and 83% of Conservative MPs).

The ComRes research, commissioned by Tidal Lagoon Power, surveyed 150 MPs from across the UK (61 Conservative), and 303 Conservative councillors across England and Wales.

Tidal Lagoon Power is currently developing a fleet of six tidal lagoons to meet up to 8% of UK electricity demand, as well as progressing a number of potential overseas projects.

Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, which features in the Conservative party manifesto, will be the first power station of its kind in the world, opening up a new option with distinct advantages to the UK energy mix.

Across the country, the vast majority of Conservative MPs and Councillors (77% and 81% respectively) recognise the project as a potential first step towards a large new source of power that is both secure and long-term.  They agree that its environmental impacts are manageable (82% Conservative MPs and 87% councillors) while its UK supply chain opportunities are high (79% Conservative MPs and 82% councillors).

On cost, 80% of Conservative Councillors and 72% of Conservative MPs think the impact on today’s energy consumer would be relatively small and could be managed.  The vast majority also acknowledge a role for subsidies in helping new technologies become competitive (80% Conservative MPs, 71% councillors), a point underlined by clear majorities stating a preference for energy infrastructure investment that may cost today but saves for tomorrow (64% Conservative MPs, 77% councillors).

Cross-party consensus building on potential of tidal lagoon technology

Gower MP Byron Davies said:

“This research supports what I have witnessed first-hand in Westminster and that is the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon Project has a strong base of support amongst Conservative MP’s. I held an event for this project in the Houses of Parliament and it was striking how much support the project has not just from Welsh MP’s but from Members from across the United Kingdom. There is a genuine cross party consensus building on the potential of tidal lagoon technology and I look forward to continuing these cross party efforts in support of this project in the near future.”

Katharine Peacock, MD at ComRes said the research demonstrates the clear consensus of support among Conservative MPs and councillors for construction of the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, commenting:

“There is a consensus around the need to invest in energy infrastructure now to develop cheaper energy in the future. Not only do Conservative politicians feel that tidal power delivers on their energy priorities of providing a long-term, sustainable source, they also view Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon as a project which has the potential to open the UK to a significant means of generating low carbon power.”

The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon is a world-first 320MW pathfinder project to open up the option of a fleet of larger tidal lagoons capable of generating renewable electricity at a scale and low cost not seen before.

Tidal lagoons are built to last for 120 years, double the lifespan of any other new power station.  In combination with entirely predictable tides and proven technology, this will deliver to the UK a secure, reliable and flexible power supply.

Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon has a net annual power output of over 500GWh; enough to meet the annual electricity requirement of over 155,000 homes, or over 90% of homes in the Swansea Bay area.  The project was granted a Development Consent Order in June 2015, having featured in the Conservative Party 2015 General Election manifesto. 

Negotiations relating to a Contract for Difference for the project began in March 2015 and continue in parallel to the Government’s independent review of tidal lagoon energy, due to report in autumn 2016.  Tidal lagoons also feature in the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2016-2021.