The UK government has given the go-ahead to a £1 billion project to build the world’s first tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, Wales.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has given planning consent to Tidal Lagoon Power (TLP) to build the lagoon which will use the ebb and flow of the tide to generate electricity.
Specialist engineering consultancy, HR Wallingford, worked with TLP on preliminary studies for the scheme, and has now been appointed by TLP’s preferred bidder, China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) to support them as the project moves ahead.
“ Having worked with TLP during the early phases of this project, we are delighted to have been selected by China Harbor Engineering Company to support the further development of Swansea Bay tidal lagoon,” said Dr Bruce Tomlinson, HR Wallingford’s Chief Executive.
“ HR Wallingford has internationally recognized expertise in coastal and maritime engineering, and we have the largest fully commercial physical modelling facilities in Europe. We will use 2D and 3D hydraulic physical models of the proposed six mile u-shaped breakwater and seawall around Swansea Bay to investigate and further optimize their design, ” added Dr Bruce Tomlinson.