The long-awaited Hendry Review on Tidal Lagoons was published today. The Hendry Review recommends that the Government support the construction of a Swansea Bay tidal lagoon, which would serve as a pathfinder project for other lagoons across the UK, including in Newport, Cardiff and North Wales.

Speaking at the launch of the review in Parliament, Charles Hendry called on the UK to ‘take the lead’ on tidal lagoon power before other countries do so.

I have previously spoken in Parliament about the compelling arguments for harnessing tidal power energy off the South Wales coast, and what a wonderful opportunity it could be for Newport. The Hendry Review outlines how lagoons can provide an affordable and predictable source of low-carbon energy, with the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the manufacturing and construction process -; in addition to the potential for other employment opportunities in tourism and the supply chain.

We know that there is already support for tidal lagoons from Welsh Government and industry in South Wales. Natural Resources Wales will now make its own assessment before granting a marine license, and I would I echo Charles Hendry’s call for the UK Government to move swiftly to final stage negotiations on the pathfinder lagoon for Swansea Bay.

The Hendry Review claims a future Newport lagoon could support as many as 6,386 jobs, and cites the cooperative relationship that could be forged with ‘green steel’ businesses based in Newport – Liberty House Group and Simec.