UNEP’s climate action program reported September 12 that Tidal Lagoon Power had received approval to connect its 3.24GW tidal project in Cardiff to the national grid.
The project will be located between Cardiff and Newport, in the Severn Estuary. Once completed, it will have an estimated electricity output of 5.5TWh per year, which according to the company is enough electricity to supply every single household in Wales.
The power plant will comprise a 20.5 km breakwater wall, housing up to 108 tidal lagoon turbines and at least two powerhouse units, which would handle flows of around 600 million cubic meter of water on each tidal cycle.
Tidal Lagoon Power is also developing a pilot scheme, located in Swansea, known as Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay. The pilot project will have a total installed capacity of 320MW, and is set to define the final decision for the Cardiff follow-up project. It is expected to comprise sixteen 23 ft. diameter hydro turbines and a six mile breakwater wall.