Latest news with #HydroWing


North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey: Morlais tidal energy project reaches milestone
Inyanga Marine Energy Group which has an office on the island has awarded a fabrication contract to Hutchinson Engineering for the construction of its HydroWing tidal energy device. The 20 MW HydroWing tidal energy array will be deployed at Morlais, off Anglesey, one of Europe's largest consented tidal energy projects. The contract includes the fabrication of the foundation frame and the rear nacelle, which will be capable of withstanding the harsh underwater environment. The foundation frame will weigh 120 tonnes, with a single unit generating an energy yield of 1.2 MW. The nacelle stands at 19 metres high. Made from structural steel, the foundation frame will have a 25-year lifespan and will be produced with sustainability in mind, including plans for decommissioning once it reaches the end of its operational life. The foundation frame will be partially constructed at Hutchinson Engineering's factory in Cheshire, with final assembly taking place quayside in Wales. The tidal energy prototype is scheduled for deployment in the first quarter of 2026. Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: "Hutchinson Engineering have all the engineering expertise and ingenuity required to turn our innovative tidal stream technology concept into reality. "The tidal energy scheme at Morlais is the largest of its kind in the world and this is a once in a generation opportunity to prove the full potential of tidal energy, really putting Wales on the map as a global pioneer in renewable energy." READ MORE: Young woman from North Wales makes her mark in the recruitment industry Steve Adams, MD of Hutchinson Engineering, said: "We are extremely excited about winning the contract for this groundbreaking project. "We pride ourselves on all our fabrications having a positive impact on the world and so this will be a flagship project for us. "It is an opportunity to fabricate advanced technology that is expected to become a world leader in tidal energy." Andy Billcliff, CEO of Menter Mon Morlais, added: "The award of the first fabrication contract is a significant milestone in our exciting journey to deliver tidal energy at Morlais, providing economic and sustainability benefits for Wales and the UK, as well as demonstrating the global commercial viability of tidal energy."

South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government invests £2 million in tidal energy firm
The Welsh Government's equity investment in Inyanga Marine Energy Group will help test improved tidal turbines at the Morlais tidal energy site off Ynys Môn (Anglesey). The investment, announced by First Minister Eluned Morgan at the Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff, will fund improvements to the turbines, enabling them to produce up to 60 per cent more energy. The turbines will power most of the tidal energy projects planned for the Morlais site. Morlais is located in an area known for its strong tidal currents. The 35 square kilometre site has the potential to generate enough electricity to power over 180,000 homes once fully developed and is one of Europe's largest consented tidal energy projects. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "This investment is a big step forward for Wales' clean energy future. "Tidal energy offers reliable, clean power and creates quality jobs in coastal communities where they're needed most. "By investing in innovation, we're putting Wales at the forefront of marine energy technology. "The improved turbines will explore making tidal energy more practical, helping speed up the global move away from fossil fuels." Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: "Our patented HydroWing tidal array technology is right at the forefront of developments in renewable energy, untapping the full potential of ocean tides as a perpetual and predictable source of energy. "This significant £2 million equity investment from the Welsh Government completes the financing for the demonstration phase of our ambitious technology. "The tidal energy scheme at Morlais is the largest consented project of its type in the world, really putting Wales on the map as a global leader in renewable energy." Andy Billcliff, CEO of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, said: "We are proud to see this significant milestone as Inyanga gears up to deploy their HydroWing demonstration project within the Morlais zone. "This development highlights the potential of our natural resources to drive innovation, create high-quality jobs and contribute meaningfully to achieving Wales' net-zero ambitions."


Business News Wales
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales 'On Course to be World Leader' in Marine Energy as Governments Pledge Support
Marine Energy Wales (MEW) has welcomed 'a landmark show of unity and ambition' from the Welsh and UK Governments as they announced significant new investments in Wales's marine renewable energy sector. First Minister Eluned Morgan and Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens appeared together at the Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff. Announcements included support for tidal projects Inyanga and Morlais, and a renewed three-year commitment to Marine Energy Wales itself. Speaking at the event, the First Minister confirmed a £2 million equity investment in Inyanga Marine Energy Group. The funding will accelerate deployment of Inyanga's next-generation HydroWing tidal turbines at the Morlais site off the coast of Ynys Môn. The upgraded turbines are expected to increase output by up to 60%, helping unlock the full potential of one of Europe's most ambitious tidal energy zones. This follows a wider £8 million Welsh Government investment in the Morlais project, led by social enterprise Menter Môn, which will improve grid infrastructure and reinforce Morlais as a world-leading tidal demonstration zone, with capacity to power over 180,000 homes. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: 'This investment is a big step forward for Wales' clean energy future. Tidal energy offers reliable, clean power and creates quality jobs in coastal communities where they're needed most. By investing in innovation, we're putting Wales at the forefront of marine energy technology.' Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government has a clear mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower with Wales front and centre of our plans. This goes hand in hand with our mission to grow the economy and create new, well-paid jobs with renewable energy at the heart of that growth. 'The UK is a world leader in floating offshore wind and tidal stream generation, and Wales is well-placed to benefit from both technologies. There is a huge amount of opportunity ahead and a cleaner, greener future for people in Wales and across the UK.' The conference also saw confirmation of continued core funding for Marine Energy Wales, with the Welsh Government committing a further three years of support. This will enable MEW to continue driving innovation, facilitating collaboration, and supporting the sector's contribution to Wales's net zero goals and coastal prosperity. Marine Energy Wales Programme Manager Tom Hill said: 'This commitment from both governments sends a powerful message — Wales is delivering marine energy. Government support along with stable investment, world-class sites, and a growing cluster of developers and innovators means the sector is poised to scale and make a real impact. Wales is on course to be a world leader as we move into the decade of delivery.' These announcements come at a pivotal moment for the sector, said MEW. As pressure mounts to deliver on climate commitments and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, marine energy offers predictability, resilience, and regional opportunity — all rooted in Wales's natural strengths, it said. Marine Energy Wales will continue to work across governments, industry, academia and communities to turn this momentum into action and ensure Wales leads the charge in marine energy development, it added.


Pembrokeshire Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh Government backs tidal power with £2 million investment
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has completed a £2 million equity investment in tidal energy firm Inyanga Marine Energy Group, reinforcing Wales' commitment to developing renewable energy. The investment, to be announced by First Minister Eluned Morgan at today's Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff, will help test improved tidal turbines in real sea conditions at the Morlais tidal energy site off Ynys Mon (Anglesey). The investment will fund improvements to the turbines, enabling them to produce up to 60% more energy. The turbines will power most of the tidal energy projects planned for the Morlais site. Morlais is located in an area known for its strong tidal currents. The 35 square kilometre site has the potential to generate enough electricity to power over 180,000 homes once fully developed and is one of Europe's largest consented tidal energy projects. The Welsh Government has committed to making Wales a world centre of emerging tidal technologies. Today's announcement aligns with the First Minister's key priorities of building a stronger, greener economy and tackling the climate emergency. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: 'This investment is a big step forward for Wales' clean energy future. Tidal energy offers reliable, clean power and creates quality jobs in coastal communities where they're needed most. 'By investing in innovation, we're putting Wales at the forefront of marine energy technology. The improved turbines will explore making tidal energy more practical, helping speed up the global move away from fossil fuels. 'Following my visit to the international Wind Europe conference in Copenhagen last month, today's investment shows how serious we are about renewable energy and its important role in meeting our future energy needs.' Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: 'Our patented HydroWing tidal array technology is right at the forefront of developments in renewable energy, untapping the full potential of ocean tides as a perpetual and predictable source of energy. This significant £2 million equity investment from the Welsh Government completes the financing for the demonstration phase of our ambitious technology. 'The tidal energy scheme at Morlais is the largest consented project of its type in the world, really putting Wales on the map as a global leader in renewable energy. Tidal energy has the potential to deliver 11% of the UK's total energy needs and today's announcement is an important milestone on that journey.' Andy Billcliff, CEO of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, said: 'We are proud to see this significant milestone as Inyanga gears up to deploy their HydroWing demonstration project within the Morlais zone. It's a major step not only for the tidal energy sector, but also for Anglesey and the wider Welsh economy. 'This development highlights the potential of our natural resources to drive innovation, create high-quality jobs and contribute meaningfully to achieving Wales' net-zero ambitions. This is an exciting moment for renewable energy in Wales.'
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SHINES Project Will Harness Tidal, River Energy in European Region
The SHINES project, or Showcasing Hydrokinetic energy Innovations for Northwest European Energy Sovereignty, is underway, bringing together 14 partners from France, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany. Co-financed by Interreg North-West Europe under the fourth call for projects, SHINES is set to unlock the potential of tidal and river energy systems, an opportunity still largely untapped in the region. With a total budget of €10M ($10.9 million), including 60% ERDF funding, this ambitious project led by OPEN-C Foundation will span from January 2025 to December 2028. The northwestern part of Europe is a prime location for tidal and river energy development, thanks to its unique natural features. Specific locations—gulfs, straits, islands, inlets, and spots along large rivers—offer promising conditions. Despite its potential, tidal and river energy in the region requires further investment to overcome political, economic, and regulatory hurdles. [caption id="attachment_230815" align="alignnone" width="640"] The HydraWing tidal energy device. Source: Inyanga Marine Energy Group[/caption] SHINES will address these challenges by replicating and scaling up three innovative solutions (HydroWing, RivGen and TidalKite) through grid connections and real sea deployments in France and the Netherlands. Some of the most promising sites across the region will be developed, engaging 100 organizations in the adoption of tidal and river energy systems. Inyanga is delighted to be a partner in the SHINES project, using its patented HydroWing technology. Inyanga will design, construct and install a grid-connected 600kW tidal energy turbine on the Paimpol-Bréhat test site in France, then operate and monitor the device throughout the test period. In addition, Inyanga will install and maintain the SeaQurrent TidalKite device at Paimpol-Bréhat, managing all offshore operations. Interreg North-West Europe's wealth of expertise in water management, hydrodynamics, flow measurements, and innovative technologies such as HydroWing, RivGen and TidalKite provide a solid foundation for progress. SHINES will catalyze transnational collaboration, enabling the region to consolidate efforts, quantify its energy potential, and drive investments to achieve generation capacity targets. The project is aligned with Europe's Net-Zero Strategy and the Critical Raw Materials Act, contributing to the goals of 1 GW of ocean energy capacity by 2030, and 40 GW by 2050. Ocean energy holds the promise of creating 400,000 high-value jobs by 2050, revitalizing coastal communities with histories rooted in shipbuilding, fishing, and oil and gas industries. —POWER edited this content, which was supplied by the communications team for Inyanga Marine Energy Group.