Citizens Advice has responded to Charles Hendry’s review of the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon proposal, which was published last week.
Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:
“When approving new projects for generating electricity the government needs to balance securing a sustainable, green energy supply with being cost effective for consumers.
“Initial proposals suggest the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon will cost around £90 per megawatt hour paid through people’s energy bills over 90 years - a more expensive option than other available renewables like wind and solar power.
“And while building tidal lagoons could bring benefits to the area, such as by creating new jobs and boosting tourism, we question whether it is fair for energy bill payers to pick up these costs where many of the benefits do not relate to the electricity being produced.
“It is important that the government considers the findings of the Hendry Review in the context of the wider renewables market, comparing value for money on tidal, solar and wind power.”
Citizens Advice is the statutory body responsible for representing consumers’ interests in the energy sector.
Related informaton and report: Independent review into the strategic role of Tidal Lagoons in the UK published