Tidal lagoon power the prudent solution

THE UK Government, prospective investors and developers need to be reminded of the advantages and potential of tidal lagoon electricity generation.

Consider the following attributes of tidal lagoon electricity generation and supply:

1. An invariant and free supply of energy/fuel from the sun and the moon, generating the tides.

2. Potential production of sustainable and cheaper electricity: marine turbines, electricity storage and transmission systems will evolve over the next few decades – becoming more effective, efficient, and cheaper to manufacture. Thus, with successive turbine upgrades, electricity will become progressively cheaper to generate.

3. Operational over long periods of cloudy skies: during which, solar panels would not be able to generate electricity effectively.

4. Operational over long periods of windless days: during which wind turbines would not be operating.

5. Operational over periods of atmospheric pollution: such as volcanic eruption – blocking out the sunlight, coating solar panels, preventing them from generating electricity.

6. Operational over long periods of frequent and powerful storms (effects of global warming): such storms could damage and disable wind turbines (both on-shore and off-shore).

7. Protecting coastlines against erosion and flooding: there will be higher sea levels in the future (due to global warming) which will have a greater impact on our coastlines.

8. Use as recreational venues: such as sailing and fishing.

Tidal lagoon electricity generating stations would be far more reliable, safer, and cheaper to operate than nuclear power stations.

Initially, a small group of tidal lagoon electricity generating stations might not be able to compete, in terms of electricity generating power, with nuclear power stations. However, by the time the likes of Hinckley Point nuclear power station reaches decommissioning – circa 2080 – more tidal lagoons could be built; these would have considerably more electricity generating capacity – possibly equalling that of small nuclear power stations.

The relatively small investment of £1.3bn would be a prudent start in making the UK an energyindependent nation, with a cheap and sustainable electricity supply.

Brian Hayes Bassaleg, Newport