Tidal lagoons

RE. FRANCESCA Gillett’s article “Would-be AM denounces delays over tidal lagoon” (Argus, February 3).
To recap. Electricity generation from tidal lagoons is a viable, sustainable and economical source of energy – for, theoretically speaking, a thousand years or more. 
A tidal lagoon could be modified in size and shape, and its power plant could also be modified more easily and economically than any nuclear plant or barrage.
The electricity from a tidal lagoon is provided by the ebb and flow tides. 
However, no electricity is generated when the ebb and flow tides reach their peaks – that is at intertidal periods. 
Tides occur at varying periods throughout the days of the year. Sometimes they will be able to generate electricity at peak periods, otherwise at lower demand times. 
In this respect, they are not as effective as conventional power generating plants. However, new forms of electricity storage systems are being developed, and could be incorporated into the National Grid over, say, the next 10 years. 
Thus, electricity generated by tidal at non-peak periods could be stored until needed.
The Swansea Bay tidal lagoon would be the prototype for future lagoons – such as Newport’s and Cardiff’s. 
However, the Newport and Cardiff lagoons would be larger and more complex than the Swansea Bay lagoon. They will require a substantial amount of research before they are built. 
The flow of the Severn Estuary, and rivers Usk, Ebbw, and Wye complicate matters.
Nevertheless, it might be prudent to complete these lagoons before, say, 2030.