Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment he has made of a potential link between wind farms and tidal patterns in North Wales; and if he will make a statement.

The Department has not carried out a specific assessment on the potential link between offshore wind farms and tidal patterns in North Wales.

The Department does undertake a programme of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for offshore energy technologies which identifies and addresses relevant environmental issues at a strategic level. At a project level, developers are required to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments through the planning system and development consent will not be granted if significant effects on the environment cannot be mitigated.