Raising the need for self-reliance on energy sources in Parliament this week, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies again referred to the potential for a large tidal lagoon in North Wales and has welcomed the positive response he received from the UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng MP.
For a number of years, discussions have been held over the potential for a £7 billion tidal lagoon scheme off the coast of Denbighshire and Conwy. Denbighshire County Councillors recently unanimously supported a motion to back such a scheme in principle, while Mostyn SeaPower Ltd are also pursuing a smaller lagoon proposal to the east.
James referred to tidal range options in his response to the Secretary of State’s statement on the Russian Oil Import Ban, in the House of Commons this Wednesday.
He said:
“I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement about a ban on Russian oil imports. Does he agree that the increasing need for self-reliance on energy sources means that it is right that we invest in renewable energy schemes in this country, including the possibility of a large tidal range facility in north Wales?”
In his response the Secretary of State said:
“I hear the clamour for a tidal range facility in the Vale of Clwyd, and I am sympathetic towards it. My hon. Friend will, I am sure, be good enough to acknowledge that for the first time ever in the fourth auction round we have a tidal stream auction pot. We are committed to doing all we can to further the development of marine renewable energy.”
Speaking afterwards, James said:
“A tidal lagoon in North Wales could deliver entirely predictable green electricity to over 1 million homes, as well as creating job opportunities locally and across the UK. It would also be a very effective defence against marine flooding along the coast. A tidal lagoon features in the regional economic framework as one of the biggest and most important opportunities in North Wales. I therefore very much welcome the positive response I received from the Secretary of State and all that the UK Government is doing to further develop renewable energy.”
