Set to begin in the spring, the review will assess the strategic case for tidal lagoons and consider whether they could play a cost effective role in the UK energy mix.
Charles Hendry was minister of state for energy from May 2010 until September 2012 and, since leaving ministerial office, has undertaken roles including president of the British Institute of Energy Economics.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister expressed concern that the cost of tidal technology may be too high. The government launched the review in February, amid concerns about the future development of Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon as the project struggles to agree a subsidy price with government.
Independent supplier Ecotricity has urged the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) to “take its time” with the review, which will look more closely at the costs and benefits of tidal energy.
The company released plans for its own tidal lagoon in February, claiming it can build the site for a strike price of around £90/MWh – compared to estimates for rival site Swansea Bay of up to £168/MWh.
In March, tidal developer North Wales Tidal Energy urged the government to broaden its review to include the coastal protection and economic development benefits tidal energy schemes can bring.
Findings from the review are expected to be announced in the autumn.