According to Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the Mineral Products Association (MPA), plans to develop tidal energy lagoons in the UK could open up opportunities to the region’s mineral products sector and construction supply chain.
Tidal Lagoon Power has received support from the UK’s Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, for the potential construction of six tidal lagoons. The plans include four lagoons in Wales and two in England, which will be located in Somerset and Cumbria. The first of the tidal lagoons, in Swansea Bay, is already in the advanced stages of the planning process and a decision will likely be given later this year. Tidal Lagoon has also revealed plans for the second lagoon. This would also be in Wales, with a 22 km long breakwater to enclose 70 km2 of the Severn Estuary between Newport and Cardiff.
In addition to the demand for mineral products generated by the construction phases of these projects if they go ahead, the UK construction industry could also benefit from any resultant regeneration activity.
“The mineral products sector represents one of the last traditional heavy industries that remain in Wales,” said Jackson. “Given the desire for half the capital expenditure of these projects to take place in Wales and 65% in the UK, the mineral products sector and the wider supply chain it supports should be well placed to make a substantial contribution towards their success. The sheer scale of these projects also means that the wider regeneration opportunities that can be expected to follow could provide further opportunities for the mineral products sector over the medium-term.”
Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/12032015/tidal-energy-lagoons-represent-opportunity-for-mineral-products-sector-says-mpa-507/
