The Blue Eden project proposed for the waterfront in Swansea, Wales, will include a new tidal lagoon, featuring underwater turbines with a capacity of 320 MW of renewable energy.
The project is being led by Bridgend-based DST Innovations and a number of business partners, with support from Swansea Council and Associated British Ports. Made possible by funding from the private sector, the economy-boosting Blue Eden will be delivered in three phases over 12 years. The project also includes:
- A 60,000 square m manufacturing plant to make high-tech batteries for renewable energy storage
- A battery facility that will store the renewable energy produced at Blue Eden and power the site.
- A 72,000 square m floating solar array anchored in the Queen’s dock area, helping offset CO2 emissions by an estimated 2 million kilogrammes a year.
- A 94,000 square m data center storing, processing and providing network capabilities for the critical services needed in modern-day operations, entirely powered by an uninterruptable renewable energy power supply
- An oceanic and climate change research center that will become a hub for global excellence and innovation
- Floating dome structures that will become cultural and scientific centers to be enjoyed by all
- Residential waterfront homes for 5,000 people
- About 150 floating, highly energy-efficient eco-homes anchored in the water
Blue Eden will be sited south of the Prince of Wales Dock in the SA1 area of Swansea.
Blue Eden will create over 2,500 permanent jobs and support a further 16,000 jobs across Wales and the UK, while creating additional jobs during its construction.
Renewable energy produced on site will power the entire development, including businesses and a mixed development of affordable housing, assisted living areas and luxury apartments. Due to the innovation on-site, each home will have up to 20 years’ renewable energy and heat provision included with the sale of the properties.
“Blue Eden is an opportunity to create a template for the world to follow – utilizing renewable energy and maximizing new technologies and thinking to develop not only a place to live and work, but also to thrive,” said Tony Miles, co-founder and chief executive of DST Innovations said.
