THE proposed North Wales Tidal Lagoon, could help fill the energy and jobs gaps resulting from Hitachi’s withdrawal from the Wylfa nuclear station on Anglesey.

The lagoon would stretch from Llandudno to Rhyl.

Hitachi’s announcement follows news that two other nuclear plants, Hinckley B and Hunterston, are to close earlier than expected, leaving the National Grid increasingly reliant on unpredictable and intermittent renewable energy sources.

Henry Dixon, chairman of North Wales Tidal Energy, the company behind the North Wales Tidal Lagoon said: “The past fortnight has really underlined the case for tidal lagoons. The reliability, predictability and sheer scale of a large tidal lagoon, will generate enough electricity for virtually every home in Wales.

“Last week’s worrying news of accelerating glacier melt from Greenland and the Antarctic highlights the need to put in place long term protection from projected sea level rises that are likely to be higher and sooner than previously thought. Planning and infrastructure, such as the lagoon, must be put in place urgently to safeguard our communities, businesses and transport systems for generations to come”.

The North Wales Lagoon could be built and begin generating power within 10 years, creating more than 20,000 jobs according to a study carried out by Glyndwr University.

It would strengthen the region’s sea defences in a high flood risk area and, at a forecast £7 billion cost, would come in at less than 60% of the projected budget of the Wylfa Newydd project. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, like wind and solar, which are subject to the intermittent vagaries of the weather, the tides are constant and predictable, offering a completely reliable supply of power.