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Swansea Tidal Lagoon: ‘Tidal energy holds great promise’, says David Melding AM


can provide power for our national energy needs and create local jobs for decades to come. Government should finalise negotiations so that work can start on this important infrastructure project as soon as possible. This is a new growth sector with


huge potential to bring industrial-scale economic opportunities to the UK. Each new tidal lagoon will drive down costs due to economies of scale, benefitting consumers, as well as strengthening the security of our energy supply. “The UK’s future energy mix will be


THE COUNTRY'S leading


renewable energy trade association, RenewableUK, has welcomed a review of the benefits of tidal lagoon energy. The study was commissioned by the government, and carried out by the former Energy Minister, Charles Hendry. He said tidal lagoon technology can


deliver a secure supply of energy for a price that’s competitive in the long term – the equivalent of the cost of a pint of milk per household per year. He added that tidal power is a completely predictable source of energy. The review is significant for Tidal


Lagoon Power. The company secured planning consent in 2015 to build the


world’s first tidal lagoon power plant in Swansea Bay. This 320 megawatt (MW) project will generate enough power to meet the annual needs of 155,000 homes. The company aims to begin


construction within a year of getting a final green light, following the successful conclusion of negotiations with the government. It is the first project of its kind in the world, marking the start of a whole new industrial sector. They company expects to see significant cost reductions as each further project is built. Hugh McNeal, RenewableUK’s


Chief Executive, said: “It’s great to have this ringing endorsement of innovative technology and modern industry. The world’s first tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay


powered by a broad range of low carbon technologies which can be delivered by British companies. This means investing today in new sources for tomorrow – including marine energy technologies such as wave, tidal stream, and tidal lagoons”. The Welsh Conservatives have the


findings of the independent review - published this week - into the feasibility and practicality of tidal lagoon energy. The review will back plans for a


£1.3bn tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, which David Melding AM - Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary to the Environment - said he 'fully' supports, adding that it was now his expectation that the project will be carried forward. “I am very pleased that the evidence


submitted by the Welsh Conservative group has been backed by the findings of this review - the analysis and recommendations of which we fully support,” said David Melding AM.


Cherished items stolen from Tabernacle “Tidal energy holds great promise to


be the most reliable and resilient source of green energy available. It is our hope and expectation that this project will now be taken forward. “Wales led the way in the 19th


century as an energy economy based on coal. Now we have the prospect of leading the world in the generation of non-carbon renewable energy. “Indeed, the tidal lagoon offers


exciting opportunities for the whole Welsh economy in terms of jobs, manufacturing and research and development.” Suzy Davies, Welsh Conservative


South Wales West AM, added: “The findings and recommendations of the Hendry review are very welcome and I hope they will be the spur needed to take this project forward. “For some time now, there has rightly


been much excitement about the prospect of a tidal lagoon in Swansea, which could propel Wales to be global pioneers in the application of this exciting technology. “The benefits to the economy and


THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 13 2017


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Tidal lagoon technology potential highlighted


future energy needs of Wales, the UK and wider world of this technology are potentially massive and I look forward to seeing progress in making the project a reality.” A Welsh Government spokesperson


said: “We very much welcome the publication of the Hendry review into the feasibility and practicality of tidal lagoon energy in the UK. This clearly presents Wales with significant potential opportunities. “Tidal


lagoons provide an


opportunity to contribute towards growing a vibrant Welsh industry which delivers prosperity whilst supporting our wider decarbonisation objectives. “We welcome the observation that


there is a very strong case for Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon to be a small scale pathfinder project, subject to number of key approvals in place. “We will be considering the content of


the report and look forward to discussions with UK Government on how they intend to take the findings forward.


Tidal Lagoon backing ‘game-changing’ says Plaid PLAID has called the publication


of a report in Westminster by former UK energy minister Charles Hendry backing the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon as a potentially game- changing moment for the tidal lagoon industry. Party of Wales Leader AM Leanne


Wood called for the project to deliver as many local jobs as possible, saying that the lagoon will “unlock a new era” for green energy across Wales and further afield. Ms Wood attended sixth forms in


Crymych and Tenby in Pembrokeshire this week, and has said that the economic benefits of the project should be spread throughout the whole of west Wales. Rhondda AM Leanne Wood


commented: “Today’s report backing the Tidal


Lagoon is game-changing news for Swansea and for the nation. “We now need to ensure that the


project generates and delivers local jobs. Swansea needs these big investments and to act as an industrial hub for the west, creating work for people in the city and also people in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. “The Labour Government has a


THE THEFT of several items


from a Llanelli chapel is being investigated by the police as worries have arisen that the burglary could mark closure for the house of prayer. Cherished items stolen from the


chapel include silverware, crockery and a fountain, amongst an array of other goods. Damage was also caused to


the listed Tabernacle Chapel in the process. The theft was discovered by


members of the chapel on Saturday (Jan 7), although the incident could


have occurred prior to that date due to the building’s limited use. It is believed that electrics were


tampered with in order for the burglars to gain access to the Tabernacle and three or four bolts had been broken on an access door. A lot of repair work is now


required in order to restore the building; if this is not possible, the burglary may mark the closure of the chapel. Volunteers at the chapel have


maintained the listed Tabernacle as a place of worship for an outstanding amount of time and they now believe


that other churches and chapels within Llanelli may also be vulnerable and in need of reviews to their security. Police constable Ffion Ebenezer


said: “There has been a report of a Burglary at Tabernacle Church in Llanelli whereby numerous items of silverware, crockery, and other items have been stolen. “Police are investigating the


burglary and would appreciate any information members of the public may have. “Anyone with any information to


Contact PC 462 Ebenezer at Llanelli Police Station on 101.”


vital role to play here, and Plaid Cymru will be calling on them to create a full skills plan which ensures local people are given a chance to get the right skills and apply for posts, especially in construction. We want to ensure that Welsh steel is used in building it, and that Welsh companies get contracts to work on it. “The western parts of Wales have


not seen their fair share of investment in the past. But this project, if it goes ahead, will unlock a new era for green energy. “It will put Wales on the map and


could lead to more tidal lagoons off our coastlines. “Providing the environmental and


regulatory concerns are met through the planning process, we could now be looking at Wales leading the world in this new technology.” Shadow Cabinet Secretary for


Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Simon Thomas said:


“The report supporting the


development of the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon is welcome. The findings from Charles Hendry strengthen the case for the development of tidal lagoon energy. “Wales still does not have the


freedom to make the decision on this scheme. The Conservative Government has to listen to the evidence in this report and give their backing to the Swansea Bay scheme, otherwise they will be seen as turning their back on Wales. “The Swansea lagoon project has


had strong and cross-party support in Wales. I have discussed with several companies in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire who stand ready to bid for the procurement that will follow. “As well as the significant economic


benefits, the proposed seawall would also provide protection for Swansea Bay’s coastal communities from coastal erosion and storm surges. The investment could, therefore, reduce the need to spend on flood and coastal defence. “The lagoon would enable Wales


to take action in terms of its global responsibility for climate change and to play a leading role in the marine energy sector, acting as a catalyst both to the rest of the UK and globally for development of the technology.” Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts added: “As this report recommends, the


Westminster Government must stop dithering and push ahead with the development of Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon to unlock Wales’ potential as a global leader in green energy. “Plaid Cymru will now work at


all levels to press those in positions of power to make this project create local jobs for people in the west.” “The value tidal lagoons can bring


to Wales is evident and it is time Wales could decide on these key infrastructure projects. “The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon


Company has reiterated its commitment to focus on a local, Welsh supply base and the UK and Welsh Governments must now work together to make sure this is realised.”


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