Evaluating the Strategic Fit of the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon Project

Abstract

Tidal energy is one of the most carbon-free energy sources that could significantly contribute to fight climate change issues. Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL) is proposed as the first-of-its-kind (FOIK) project to harness the tidal energy in Swansea. Moreover, it is to be a pathfinder project to unlock and exploit the abundance of tidal energy of UK coastlines. However, the main challenge is that the technology is in its early stage and has not been commercialised. This paper discusses to what extent SBTL is strategically fit to enhance the stakeholders’ decision-making process. The analysis utilises three main strategic analysis models, namely Porter’s five forces, PESTEL and SWOT. The results indicate that SBTL will play a vital role in the renewable energy sector and provide a package of benefits if it receives the required support.