THE head of a group behind a project to build a tidal lagoon stretching from Prestatyn to Llandudno has vowed to press on the plan, despite a similar scheme in Swansea being rejected.

On Monday, the UK government refused to back a “world first” £1.3 billion tidal lagoon project, which would have generated ‘clean energy’ from the tides at from Swansea Bay, on cost grounds.

The project – deemed “not value for money for consumers and the public purse” – would have led to similar developments across the North Wales coast.

North Wales Tidal Energy (NWTE) recently carried out a study into the feasibility of a 22-mile lagoon between Llandudno and Prestatyn.

Henry Dixon, chairman of NWTE, said the wrong decision had been made by the Government, but he remained adamant that plans to develop and promote a North Wales tidal lagoon had not been ‘blown out the water’.

Mr Dixon said: “At long last, the UK Government has come off the fence and delivered its decision on the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.

“NWTE’s initial proposals demonstrate that the performance of a North Wales tidal lagoon will significantly surpass the projected output from Swansea.

“The enhanced power output and revenue generated delivers a business plan that we believe will meet many of the minister’s concerns.

“In addition and vitally important to North Wales is the added benefit of the coastal and flooding protection offered by a North Wales tidal lagoon.

“As shown by recent studies, a lagoon will help protect over £3.3bn of property and infrastructure as well as the many communities who are increasingly impacted every year.”

Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West, agreed that it wasn't the end of the road for the tidal scheme in North Wales and called it "very much a goer"

"There are a lot of differences between the South and the North Wales project," he told the Pioneer. "They are very different in size, different technology and different companies.

"I can understand people's disappointment but the company behind the plans for North Wales will be judged on its own merits. We have a lot of areas which are vulnerable to flooding. It will offer flood protection and generate huge investment."

David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, added: “I always regarded Swansea lagoon as a good opportunity to demonstrate the technology on a much smaller scale than a much larger lagoon off Colwyn Bay.

"I was disappointed at the Government’s decision, but not surprised. The Government was, not unreasonably, concerned about cost. There was a suggestion it would bring employment, but it would only have provided 28 jobs after the construction phase.

"The Government has made it clear this proposal didn’t offer value for money, but it doesn’t mean the Government has closed the door on future proposals.

"There are two parties who are showing interest in the Colwyn Bay proposal and I would happily support them. But they will have to take into account the Swansea experience and find ways of making it more competitive with offshore wind and nuclear."