Unite has today called for the government to press ahead with the Swansea Bay tidal energy project.
The union feel the government is stalling over planned subsidies to Tidal Lagoon Power’s £1 billion project.
In a statement Unite said they are “urging the UK government to stop stalling on the creation of over 2,000 jobs and unleash an economic boost worth at least £500 million to the Welsh economy”.
The statement continued: “Unite believes the Swansea Bay lagoon project could open the door to similar larger projects around England and Wales and pave the way to the UK becoming a world leader in tidal power electricity generation as part of a wider industrial strategy.”
The UK’s biggest union has grown increasingly frustrated with the government’s reluctance to give the project the green light.
An independent review concluded that this trial project was a “no regrets option” earlier this year.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Theresa May and her government needs to stop the dithering and end the continued uncertainty over the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.
“All that is missing is a clear and unequivocal statement from the UK government that the project can proceed.”
“It’s a no-brainer, if Theresa May is indeed in ‘listening mode’ then she needs to heed the chorus of support from industry, unions and politicians from all parties by giving a resounding ‘yes’ to Swansea.”
The project has cross-party support in both the House of Commons and the Welsh Assembly.
It was hoped that the project would be connected to the National Grid in 2018, where it would provide renewable and reliable power for 120,000 homes.
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