DLA Piper has successfully obtained development consent for its client, Tidal Lagoon Power, to deliver the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay project in Wales, the world's first tidal lagoon power project.

Tidal Lagoon Power is driving change in the UK energy market by developing infrastructure to harness natural power from the rise and fall of the tides. Its first project, Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay, establishes a scalable blueprint for a fleet of six tidal lagoons to meet up to 8% of UK electricity demand.

DLA Piper also advises on Tidal Lagoon Power's plans to deliver the UK's first full-scale tidal lagoon project between Cardiff and Newport, which is expected to be subject to a development consent application in 2017, with a decision then expected in 2018. Work on Swansea Bay is expected to begin in Spring 2016, after final approvals are granted.

The DLA Piper team is led by head of Infrastructure Planning, Howard Bassford, along with senior associates Emma Rodican-Jones and Emma Harling-Phillips with associate Reza Newton.

Howard said: "Tidal Lagoon Power is leading the way in the growth of the UK's clean energy market. It's vision is not only crucial in addressing global climate change, but it also provides benefits at a local level through economic, employment, leisure and leisure opportunities.

"Having advised on all aspects of consenting for the Swansea project - from planning to negotiations with landowners and environmental assessment - we are extremely pleased that the project has been given the go ahead."