WHAT ARE TIDAL LAGOONS?

Atidal lagoon project in Swansea Bay for clean, renewable energy has been backed by the Government-commissioned Hendry review. Environmental groups have cautiously – but not unanimously – endorsed the project. Costing £1.3billion, if it goes ahead it could lead to the roll out of full-scale schemes in UK waters. So how do tidal lagoons work – and how important might they be in helping us meet targets to cut carbon emissions?

An artist's impression of the 'rubble mound' breakwater, forming the edge of the lagoon