Government Minister offers support to tidal lagoon pilot

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Oct 2007

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has secured government backing for his campaign for a tidal lagoon in Wales during a debate on energy policy in the Welsh Assembly.

Responding to an intervention from Mr. Black requesting her to support a tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, Jane Davidson, the Minister for Sustainability, said that she will be applying to the UK Government for a pilot project for a tidal lagoon in Wales. Peter Black will now be campaigning for the pilot to be based in Swansea Bay.

"I welcome the promise by the Minister to pilot a scheme that will bring cheap and green energy to Wales." said Mr Black. "While wind farms are one way of creating such energy, they are not as dependable or efficient as other forms of generation. Wind power is based on the wind blowing, and as we all know, sometimes it does not."

"The tide, unlike the wind, is constant and predictable. Not only that but it is emission free and does not impact on our landscape. Swansea Bay has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world and would be a perfect location for such a trial. It would bring jobs and investment to Swansea as well as allowing us to start what I hope would be a string of projects around Wales that would give us a lead in green technology."