DENBIGHSHIRE County Council members are set convene tomorrow (January 25) to discuss a proposal for a tidal energy project off the North Wales coast.

North Wales Tidal Energy, based in the county, are behind the proposal for a £7billion scheme involving the construction of a 19-mile barrage and lagoon stretching from Prestatyn to Llandudno.

The motion is part of a renewable energy auction scheme by which the UK Government is investing £20million per year in Tidal Stream electricity across the UK.

Now the Welsh Conservative Group on the county council is proposing a notice of motion calling on the authority to support the scheme in principle.

Ahead of the motion Councillor Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Climate Change, said: “Lots of people will ridicule tidal lagoons, but there is a case to say that tidal energy could contribute – I support tidal energy.

“Denbighshire have a climate change strategy recognised by Welsh Government, and we are on the frontline of the climate change emergency.

“It might be 2035 before we see anything done, but we are doing something about it.

“I believe there is a future in tidal energy, but it needs Welsh Government and UK government recognition and support.

Councillor Paul Penlington of Plaid Cymru expressed scepticism about the project’s implementation and timing, saying: ““I am of course supportive of realistic renewable energy projects.

“In practice they need to be very carefully planned and not just bandied about for political purposes.

“Denbighshire’s coastline is already having several major works i.e.: improved sea defences, and has a number of areas for protected wildlife.

“The sand dunes either side of Prestatyn are already vulnerable, how the sea defences will shift sand and affect those areas is yet to be seen.

“Any further major works ie: proposed tidal barriers, need very detailed planning before they can realistically be considered.

“Our long-term environmental future is not just a convenient headline, with little consideration or substance, that will be forgotten after May’s elections.”

Mr Jones added: “The only difference will be a little wall two miles out and a delayed tide.”