A FORMER opencast mining worker and executive from Glanaman has been named as the man that will front the Welsh development activities of Tidal Lagoon Power Limited, the company behind the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, in Wales.

Previous player and chairman of Cwmaman United AFC, 52-year-old Ioan Jenkins began his career with British Coal in South Wales prior to privatisation.

He then joined Celtic Energy Limited to lead the management of the Eastpit Opencast Site in Tairgwaith, East Merthyr Reclamation Scheme, Cwmbargoed Processing Plant and Llanilid Opencast Site near Bridgend.

Mr Jenkins has been appointed as development director for Wales by Tidal Lagoon Power Limited.

The project represents an investment of £650 million, and according to Tidal Lagoon Power, the development company behind the scheme, is a significant opportunity for Wales to take the lead in the tidal industry for the UK.

Mr Jenkins says: “South Wales was transformed by the demand for coal during the industrial revolution.

“Falling demand for coal in recent years, political decisions and increased global competition has led to the decline in an industry that shaped Wales’ past but we have this fantastic opportunity to take control of our future by returning to our roots in energy production.”

Detailed plans for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon are now being finalised with the launch of the community share offer expected shortly and formal consultation due to begin in July 2013.

The application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate will be submitted in the late autumn of 2013.