North Wales Tidal Energy, based in St Asaph, will be commissioning and coordinating a wide range of research and development activities to examine the potential of one or more tidal impoundments along the coast. The company’s focus is on integrated schemes that — designed and sited to fit local needs — will provide sustainable renewable energy and a defence against coastal flooding while boosting the local economy.
“As reserves of fossil fuels dwindle in the coming years, the need to deploy large scale renewable generation technology will increase substantially,” said Eryl Vaughan, chief executive, North Wales Tidal Energy. “To provide the reliable electricity generation that can meet the future needs of our society, we must seek to harness tidal power.”
North Wales Tidal Energy sees the community as the heart of the project. Owned and managed by local North Wales business people, the company is determined that the whole region benefits from the significant employment potential of the project. To meet this objective, the company is structuring its finances to allow community benefit from profits and potentially use funds for investment in local projects.
“This is a major infrastructure project that we are addressing, with benefits here in North Wales and beyond,” Vaughan explained. “We are determined to protect the beautiful environment in which we live while providing power, amenity and employment for the long-term. Much of the research we are already considering is focused on gaining a better understanding of the complex natural and marine environment along and outward from the shoreline.”
North Wales Tidal Energy & Coastal Protection Co Ltd will be launched officially at Porth Eirias at the end of October.