April 04, 2022 - 885 views
Janet Finch Saunders, Shadow Minister for Climate Change is today backing the plans put forward for a tidal lagoon which could generate enough energy to power every home in Wales.
The project proposed by developer Henry Dixon could see a £7 billion tidal lagoon stretching from Prestatyn to Llandudno.
Wrexham’s Glyndwr University has carried out an economic impact assessment, which predicts the lagoon generating an additional 22,000 jobs.
Commenting on the plans for a tidal lagoon in North Wales, Mrs. Finch Saunders said: “The prospect of a tidal lagoon in North Wales is incredibly exciting and would deliver a welcomed boost to jobs and local industry.
"A resource rich nation, we should be unleashing the full potential of what we can contribute to green renewable energy.”
Last month Denbighshire councillors voted in favour of a motion to back the scheme in principle whilst Conwy County Council has set up a task and finish group to look at the options.
Janet Finch-Saunders is a long time supporter of tidal energy and says she has taken every opportunity to apply pressure on the Welsh Government to increase its collaboration with the UK Government to deliver such big projects.
“In terms of energy security, the War in Ukraine has emphasised just how important it is for the West to be as self-sufficient as possible.
“The Senedd and Westminster have long gone back and forth deliberating big energy projects such as tidal lagoons and the remaining barriers should be seriously reconsidered if we’re to show the people of Wales we mean business.
“My constituents want to see the devolved and UK Governments work together to deliver on jobs and industry and the proposals put together by Henry Dixon fulfil many of those objectives.
“The UK Government has already announced that it will invest £20 million per year in Tidal Stream electricity, so the scene is perfectly set for a tidal energy to make a huge splash in Wales.”
