New tidal lagoon will provide Swansea with renewable energy

A new tidal lagoon in Swansea will provide residents with 20 years worth of renewable energy. 

The lagoon is part of a larger proposed Blue Eden project that is being led by Bridgend-based DST Innovations of business partners, with support from Swansea Council and Associated British Ports.

The project also includes:

• A 60,000 square metre manufacturing plant to make batteries for renewable storage
• A battery facility that will store renewable energy produced at Blue Eden and power the site
• A 72,000 square metre floating solar array 
• A 94,000 square metre data centre storing
• Approximately 150 floating eco-homes anchored in the water
• An oceanic and climate change research centre that will become a hub for global excellence and innovation

The project will be delivered over 12 years and according to developers it will create over 2,500 permanent jobs and support a further 16,000 jobs across Wales and the UK while creating additional jobs during its construction.

Renewable energy produced on-site will power the entire Blue Eden development, including businesses and a mixed development of housing.

Due to the innovation on-site, each home will have up to 20 years’ renewable energy and heat provision included with the sale of the properties.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: ‘We are aware now more than ever of the need to develop renewable energy supplies to provide sustainable and affordable electricity to families and businesses.

‘Blue Eden will put Swansea and Wales at the cutting-edge of global renewable energy innovation, helping create thousands of well-paid jobs, significantly cut our carbon footprint and further raise Swansea’s profile across the world as a place to invest.

‘I’m delighted that an international consortium led by a Welsh company has developed our Dragon Energy Island vision into a ground-breaking project that delivers so many benefits and builds on the council’s ambition to become a net-zero city by 2050.

‘This project truly is a game-changer for Swansea, its economy and renewable energy in the UK, and crucially it can be delivered without the need for government subsidies.”

Subject to planning consent, work could start by early 2023.

Photo Credit – Supplied