A NEWPORT AM has called on the UK Government to “get off the fence” over a proposed tidal lagoon project in the city.

Earlier this week is was announced the Indian business gurus the Gupta family had made a multi-million pound investment into Tidal Lagoon Power, the firm behind the proposed schemes in Newport, Cardiff and Swansea.

Although the first of the projects, set for Swansea Bay, has been put on temporary hold while the UK Government’s Department for Energy and Climate Change carries out a review into the technology, Newport East AM John Griffiths has called for quicker progress of the proposed renewable energy schemes.

Speaking in the Senedd on Wednesday, January 10, the Labour AM said: “I urge the UK Government to get off the fence and not miss the opportunity to put Wales and UK at forefront of developing and deploying tidal energy with all benefits that brings – developing manufacturing capacity, jobs, skills, technology and then exporting knowledge, turbines and high-tech equipment across globe.

“Crucially, tidal lagoons can generate clean, renewable energy, helping our environment and tackling climate change.

“Progress on a lagoon for Swansea Bay would then allow Cardiff and Newport to follow – with benefits to local communities and job creation.”

Finance minister Jane Hutt replied: “We have engaged with the UK Government to ensure the maximum benefit is delivered from the proposed Swansea Bay lagoon.

“The Swansea Bay tidal lagoon is one of our key Welsh pipeline investment infrastructure projects, with potential to bring environmental and economic benefits to Wales.

“And of course it’s the first of six tidal lagoon schemes, four of which are located in Wales.”

Mr Griffiths’ call came after his Labour colleague and candidate for Newport East Jayne Griffiths accused the UK Government of “wasting vital time and sapping momentum away from schemes which have support from both the environmental and business communities”.

The UK Government’s energy minister Lord Bourne described tidal lagoons – which generate energy via and underground wall with turbines which are turned with the tide – as “an exciting, but as yet untested technology”.

I want to better understand whether tidal lagoons can be cost effective, and what their impact on bills will be - both today and in the longer term,’” he said.

“This review will help give us that clarity so we can determine what role tidal lagoons could have as part of our plans to provide secure, clean and affordable energy for families and businesses across the country.”