Swansea AMs call on UK Government to take the opportunity that the Tidal Lagoon presents

Swansea Assembly Members, Rebecca Evans AM (Gower), Julie James AM (Swansea West) and Mike Hedges AM (Swansea East), are calling on the UK Government to move forwards with the Tidal Lagoon plan for Swansea Bay amidst the ‘chaos’ that is the Hinkley C project.
 
The sudden decision to delay to the Hinkley Point C project by the Prime Minister came just as EDF, the French energy company set to build the project, agreed to go ahead with the project despite the resignation of their finance director over the decision. And, with the cost of the Hinkley Point project spiralling to £18 Billion the AMs believe now is the time for the Government to look at giving the go ahead for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.
 
The call comes as a recent study commissioned by the Welsh Government has estimated that the Tidal Lagoon project would create 1,197 full time jobs during the 5 year construction period with a further 28 continuing full time positions for the operation and maintenance once the project is complete – there could also be up to an additional 1,000 jobs in the manufacturing process surrounding the project.
 
Calling on the UK Government, Mrs Evans said:

"Major infrastructure projects such as this have the potential to create skilled jobs for local people and opportunities for local businesses - not to mention a source of reliable, green energy. The UK Government cannot continue to drag its heels when it comes to investment in our part of Wales."
 
Julie James AM added:

“The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project has huge potential and it is an opportunity that is too good to miss. The scheme offers not only an incredible opportunity to create local jobs and bring investment to our country, but to also become world leaders in renewable energy, and I urge the UK Government to support the plans."
 
Mike Hedges AM said:

“The Tidal Lagoon project simply cannot be left to face the same chaos as Hinkley C, the levels of uncertainty and delays that the Prime Minister has placed on that project leave it teetering on the brink. I urge the Government to be bold and realise the potential that the Tidal Lagoon promises.”
 
The Assembly Members have written to the UK Government urging them to take this opportunity and expressed their concern regarding further delays and uncertainty towards the Swansea tidal lagoon project.