Following an announcement in the local press several weeks ago, a locally based company, Tidal Lagoon (Swansea Bay) plc. indicated their intention to build a new hydro-electric generating system in Swansea Bay. As part of their plans, they wish to pass on details of the project, to all interested parties. One method they employ is to arrange information and discussion sessions at local community halls, where the general public are invited.
During one recent session, UKIP member James Cole asked the company representative, how many local people will be employed in the construction of the lagoon and how much of the equipment will be of British manufacture. As they were unable to give specific answers at the time, it was suggested James might like to meet them at their office in Swansea, for further discussions.
On Wednesday 22nd May, James Cole, Gordon Triggs and me, (all members of Swansea UKIP Branch) attended a meeting with Mr. Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive of the company, and Ms Tessa Blazy, Marketing and Administrative Manager. James is presently employed with a company, engaged in all types of marine engineering contracts, so his knowledge was suited to the questions asked. Gordon is a retired former Managing Director of a large international company, and also has considerable knowledge on renewable energy, climate change and carbon emissions. I have an electrical engineering background and am presently Chairman of Swansea UKIP branch.
As a fast growing political party, UKIP is anxious to ensure as many employees as possible, are locally recruited during the construction process, and as much of the equipment as possible, is built in the UK. In addition to these questions, we also asked about protection to the environment, and welfare of marine animals and bird population.
We were informed that the company, presently employ 32 local staff, which is expected to rise when planning permission is given, and the project really starts. During the initial stages, dredging, piling, building of the sand causeway etc., will be carried out by contractors, who may be foreign owned (we don't always have British firms engaged in this work), but who will be urged to employ British labour when possible. We were told that the turbines and associated equipment would be made in Rugby by GE Limited, a subsidiary of Alstom, where about four hundred local workers are currently employed.
The company representatives were genuinely pleased to see us and frank with their responses.
We were told that the cost of producing electricity from the Lagoon would be 1.5 pence per kWh. An incredibly low cost. Further information and continued communication will be forthcoming as design and planning stages progress.