MPs back Swansea Bay tidal lagoon

New research commissioned by the developers of the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project has revealed significant backing of the project from Conservative MPs and councillors, despite the prime minister’s concerns earlier this year.

The survey, conducted by ComRes, showed that 84 per cent of Conservative councillors and 83 per cent of Conservative MPs support the project, which is the first of its kind.

Conservative MPs also agreed that the impact on the energy consumer would be relatively small and manageable (72 per cent) and the vast majority acknowledged that there is a role for subsidies in helping new technologies become competitive (80 per cent Conservative MPs, 71 per cent councillors).

Gower MP Byron Davies said: “This research supports what I have witnessed first-hand in Westminster and that is the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project has a strong base of support amongst Conservative MP’s.

“There is a genuine cross party consensus building on the potential of tidal lagoon technology and I look forward to continuing these cross party efforts in support of this project in the near future.”

Tidal Lagoon Power head of communications Andy Field said: “What’s interesting about this research is that support for Swansea Bay tidal lagoon runs deeper: there is a common appreciation among Conservatives that this project signals the start of something different in UK energy.”

David Cameron cast doubt on the future of tidal lagoon power in January when he expressed concern that the cost of tidal technology may be too high.

In February, the government launched a review into the future development of tidal power in the UK, which will be led by former energy minister Charles Hendry.

The Swansea Bay tidal lagoon has struggled to agree a subsidy price with government and will now await a decision on the review which is expected in the autumn.