Richard Evans, local democracy reporter
A man who is leading a 7-billion tidal lagoon project on the Conwy and Denbighshire coastlines claims that the project will benefit the environment, not harm it, and will be more cost-effective than current offshore windfarms.
Henry Dixon is the Chairman and a founding member at the North Wales Tidal Energy Company. He currently lobby the UK and Welsh governments to receive 50m in funding.
It is believed that the lagoon can generate enough electricity to power all homes in Wales, as well as 500m annual returns.
Conwy as well as Denbighshire councils have already given their support to the lagoon, and the lagoon could be able to generate enough electricity for every home in Wales.
It will take 10 to construct, but once operational, it is expected to generate around 500m per annum.
The lagoon would be one among only three of its kind worldwide. Similar lagoons can also be found in France and South Korea.
Efficient, reliable
Dixon stated that the lagoon is far more efficient than the current offshore wind farm in terms of producing energy.
He stated that the lagoon would provide electricity for all of the week, including weekends, and will be available to generate electricity.
You can still get reliable power even if the wind isn’t blowing for a time (with a tide lagoon). This power will continue to be available for 120 years.
A wind farm can last 25 to 30 years before it has to be taken down and rebuilt.
He also said that a lagoon in France has been running for fifty years. It is the European’s cheapest electricity provider. There are only two of them in the world: one in France, and one in Korea. This type of concept is best suited to the UK’s west coast. We have a sloped coast and a great tidal range. North Wales is the best.
Environmental impact
Dixon also stated that the underwater turbines of the tidal lagoons will not affect marine life, and in fact, will be beneficial to the environment.
Everyone at the company wants to minimize the environmental impact. He said that fish is a big topic of conversation.
Are fish able to pass through turbines? There are many developments. One option is to look into very slow-moving turbines that allow fish to swim through the blades. Another is to ensure there are enough sluices and locks so fish can swim through them. One Norwegian company has a turbine that is 99% fish-friendly.
He stated that there will be 150 km of water within the sea wall. This is protected water from large waves. The wall will provide a good habitat for crustaceans, and other creatures. We have spoken to mussel farmers interested in setting up mussel farms within the walls.
We will do our best to minimize any potential damage that is identified during the environmental assessment.
Dixon claimed that the lagoons 4m tall sea wall would protect coastal areas from erosion and storms. It could also protect nesting birds and other wildlife. He assured businesses that the seawall would not affect scenic views and those who depend on tourism.
Construction challenge
He also stated that the construction of the lagoon would prove difficult, but claimed that the environmental impact would be minimal.
Mr Dixon said: It is an engineering problem. It’s a huge job, but it’s a big dam. However, the seawater is used instead of freshwater. It is a difficult job, but it can be done, according to both companies and consultants.
These caissons can be floated out, and the turbines can be floated out and installed simultaneously. It’s not difficult.
A Conwy County Council spokeswoman stated last week that the authority is very supportive of a tide lagoon. She cited the potential for both environmental and economic benefits. The Welsh Government also welcomed financial support.
Denbighshire County Council also agreed, and stated that a group of councillors would form to monitor and assess the progress of the projects after the forthcoming elections.
Andrea Winterton (Marine Services Manager, Natural Resources Wales), stated that they were aware of the plans for the tidal lake between Prestatyn in North Wales and Llandudno at Llandudno in North Wales.
We are aware that the scheme has just begun to be designed and we welcome the chance to continue our dialogue with the applicant to ensure that all environmental and licensing requirements have been considered.
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