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Major Tidal Generator Progress Presented to North Wales AMs

Progress towards the possible development of a major tidal electricity generator scheme just off the North Wales coast on Rhyl Flats will be the subject of a presentation to AMs tomorrow (Friday 16th). Neil Crumpton of Friends of the Earth Cymru will be explaining the concept of such schemes to the North Wales Regional Committee (1).

A generator is essentially a rock walled enclosure of an area of shallow sea. The tide fills and empties the resulting ‘lagoon' through hidden water turbines. FOE Cymru say that public involvement in the design of any scheme would be crucial in maximising a generators tourism potential. Mr Crumpton will tell Ams that the developer has been very open to advice from local people and environmentalists and a wider public consultation will take place soon.

Neil Crumpton said:

"A large tidal generator on the Rhyl Flats would not only supply a significant quantity of renewable electricity. It would have great potential to become a major North Wales tourist attraction and it could also provide a high degree of storm defence along the Towyn coast. We are advising the developer on various aspects of a scheme and if the Environmental Assessment is positive then we are likely to be strong supporters of it. "