Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive of Tidal Lagoon Power, wrote a message to the public, after the company submitted an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for its Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon energy project:
It’s been three years since we first began work on the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. In that time, we have consulted with more than 200 local stakeholders and over 100 statutory consultees. We have met over 1,050 local people and some 2,500 local people have completed formal questionnaires on the lagoon. 86% of the local community support our proposals and local people have invested £400,000 in the project via the community share offer.
The ambition and encouragement of the people of Swansea Bay has been a significant driving force behind the project. As we submit our planning application today, we are confident that we are submitting an application that makes economic, environmental and social sense. We want this project to mean something positive to everyone in Swansea Bay; long-lived infrastructure as a catalyst for regeneration. Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon will harness the natural rhythms of the tides, provide clean energy, restore local biodiversity and create opportunities for local people for generations to come. Thank you for your continued support. It has been inspirational.
Mark
Press release, February 10, 2014; Image: Tidal Lagoon Power