DST, partners propose 320-MW tidal lagoon project in Wales

An international consortium led by Welsh company DST Innovations on Monday unveiled plans to build a 320-MW tidal lagoon off the coast of Swansea in Wales.

The lagoon is part of the larger project dubbed Blue Eden and is estimated at GBP 1.7 billion (USD 2.3bn/EUR 2bn). To be delivered in three phases over 12 years in total, the scheme envisages the creation of a newly-designed 9.5-km tidal lagoon structure at Swansea's waterfront, a 60,000-sq-m factory for batteries and an energy storage facility that will store Blue Eden’s output.

Additionally, a 72,000-sq-m floating solar photovoltaic (PV) array will be anchored in the Queen's dock area. A data centre will also be built as part of the project. There are also plans for an oceanic and climate change research centre, floating dome structures and 150 floating, energy-efficient eco-homes anchored in the water.

On-site renewable energy generation will be used for the entire Blue Eden complex, to be located south of the Prince of Wales Dock.

Blue Eden is supported by Swansea Council and Associated British Ports. Project financing will come from the private sector. Depending on regulatory permits, work could be launched by early 2023.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.379/EUR 1.186)

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