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.”