Tidal Lagoon Challenge

The Tidal Lagoon Challenge was an innovative competition to help quantify the potential benefits of tidal lagoons and reduce or remove the barriers to development in Wales. Partnering with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Cardiff University and Western Gateway on behalf of The Welsh Government, Intertek Metoc quantified the value of developing tidal range power as part of the Flexible Lagoon Operation for Maximal Value (FLOMax) research project.

Techniques for harnessing tidal range energy are long-established, but there are currently no tidal lagoon projects in existence globally. Previous studies indicate that 10 GW of installed capacity could be achieved through proposed projects, equal to approximately 5% of UK energy use. Tidal range technologies are therefore likely to be essential in helping the UK to meet its net zero targets by 2050. 

The research project’s three main objectives included:
(1) Modelling the flexible operation of tidal lagoons
(2) Quantifying their true long-term economic value
(3) Presenting a recommendation for policy support.

Intertek modelled a wide range of tidal lagoon configurations at three locations, one in North Wales, and two in the Severn Estuary (Cardiff and Newport) to assess the power potential over their design life (~100-200 years). The outputs of the modelling are an annual yield estimate for each scheme. This data fed into Cardiff University’s research and ultimately help to quantify the economic value of tidal lagoons, providing an economic and financial rationale behind tidal lagoon projects, as well as other recognised evaluation methods.

Intertek has many years’ experience in marine consulting and the marine renewables industry. This includes hydrodynamic modelling, field survey management, geophysical and geotechnical assessments, metocean assessments, geographical information systems (GIS), as well as cabling engineering and environmental impact assessment.

Learn more about Intertek’s modelling services