Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:08 pm on 6 November 2018.

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Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 2:08, 6 November 2018

Well, the reality is the UK Government controls the market. The UK Government controls the strike price, it controls contracts for difference. We control none of those things. The UK Government could have committed to Swansea bay, but it failed to do so, as it did with electrification to Swansea—it didn't do that even, though it was able to find £1 billion to give to Northern Ireland.

This problem arises as a result of a lack of commitment from the UK Government. It was their scheme. We were willing to work with them. It is right to say that we would consider a loan or equity investment to support the lagoon, but the UK Government were not prepared to offer a contract for the difference, and that's what stymied the original plan. But we will continue to work with Swansea council and others to see if an alternative plan can be brought forward.