West Somerset Tidal Lagoon
Capturing the UK's Untapped Natural Energy
The West Somerset Tidal Lagoon is a proposed Tidal Range power scheme, that aims to harness the energy of the tides to provide zero carbon renewable energy. It is strategically located on the southern coast of the Bristol Channel Basin between Minehead and Watchet to take advantage of the world’s second highest tidal range and will become the UK’s largest sustainable energy project.
Untapped energy source
The Bristol Channel Basin has the 2nd highest tidal range in the world.
UK energy security
The lagoon will deliver renewable energy for 2m UK ‘median usage’ homes (Ofgem)
Long life
120+ year life span
Reliable energy
Generates energy on both ebb and flood tides. Could provide continuous energy with short term storage
Affordable
Cost per MWh with Regulated Asset Base funding is similar or cheaper than nuclear.
Predictable energy
Unlike the sun and wind, the tides are reliable and predictable well into the future
Delivery
5yrs to start generation. Simple repeatable construction method.
Cost £10.5bn
(Estimated at 2023 prices)
