MAJOR plans for a tidal lagoon around the West Somerset coast received a big boost after an independent review said tidal power would play a big part in the UK's future energy supply.

West Somerset company LongBay SeaPower has teamed up with American energy developer Halcyon Tidal Power to create plans for the groundbreaking project.

The companies are proposing to create a semi-circular tidal energy lagoon encompassing an area of water from Minehead to Lilstock.

The ambitious lagoon plans include approximately 960 turbines located in six powerhouses which would produce an estimated 10 million Megawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power 2,500,000 homes.

The companies say between 60 to 100 full time education jobs will be supported throughout the life of the lagoon.

Stephen Pickard of LongBay SeaPower said: “We have been working on our project for a few years now, but one of the stumbling blocks has always been the cost of the Lagoon versus the strike price of electricity required to make the project viable.

"In teaming up with Halcyon Tidal Power, we have overcome this problem. We are able to build a Lagoon in deeper water at reduced cost therefore allowing more energy to be generated at an acceptable price.

Mr Pickard said in addition to the economic activity produced by Lagoon development, engineering, construction and operation,it will provide economic regeneration in West Somerset and the surrounding area. "Further, the fabrication and assembly of hydro turbines, generators and other electrical equipment, the production and fabrication of steel and concrete and peripheral services should provide an economic stimulus in other parts of the UK.”

The project has received the backing of West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who said: "This is further great news for West Somerset.

"I am in full support of LongBay and Halcyon’s tidal power proposal. Not only will it create clean, renewable and abundant tidal energy at an affordable price, it will also create many more jobs in West Somerset, as well as benefit the whole community.

"I look forward to working with the West Somerset Lagoon team, and indeed Charles Hendry and the government, to secure a green light for tidal lagoon power in West Somerset as well as South Wales.”

Councillor David Hall, deputy leader and cabinet member for business and inward investment, said: “A key part of our vision for Somerset is to be at the heart of discussions about solar power and tidal lagoons to make sure Somerset is in the vanguard of developments.

“The Hendry review is extremely positive and is another step forward to delivering our decarbonisation commitments.”