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A tidal energy company in North Wales is urging the government to widen its independent review of the sector to consider the flood protection benefits it could bring to communities.
The government review into tidal lagoon energy is set to begin in spring and will consider the cost-effectiveness of the sector alongside the Department for Energy and Climate Change (Decc), the developers of Swansea Bay tidal lagoon and industry stakeholders.
According to North Wales Tidal Energy (NWTE) – which is working to develop a £7 billion tidal energy scheme along the coast of North Wales – the review is “too narrow” and should include the economic and coastal protection benefits the sector can provide.
Areas of North Wales where NWTE is focused, including Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and St Asaph have suffered from severe flooding over the last few years.
NWTE chairman Henry Dixon said: “We welcome the announcement of an independent review into the feasibility and practicality of tidal lagoon energy in the UK, but we are urging the government to widen its remit to include key benefits such as coastal protection and economic development.
“It will provide much-needed coastal protection for vital strategic assets and communities where people currently live with the constant fear of devastating floods.
“In addition, the construction of schemes of the size being proposed offer significant economic development for the whole region – both during and after the construction phase. We urge the government to ensure that these essential elements are addressed in its review.”
NWTE claims its tidal energy programme proposals would generate 2GW of renewable energy and thousands of jobs for the region.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister expressed concern that the cost of tidal technology may be too high. The estimated strike price of £168/MWh for Swansea Bay had already come under fire, with consumer group Citizens Advice calling it “appalling value for money” for consumers.
However, having assessed the levelised costs of power from tidal lagoons last year, consulting firm Poyry suggested the strike price would fall to £130/MWh for lagoon two and £92/MWh for lagoon three.
Renewable energy firm Ecotricity has claimed it can build a tidal lagoon site for a strike price of around £90/MWh.
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