Latest news with #MarineEnergyWalesConference
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."
08-05-2025
- Business
Pembrokeshire set to benefit from UK marine energy task force
A MAJOR announcement at this year's Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff has placed Pembrokeshire at the centre of the UK's marine renewable energy future. In a keynote address delivered virtually, Michael Shanks MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, confirmed the formation of a new industry-led Marine Energy Task Force. The task force will work to unlock the UK's full potential in wave and tidal technologies, with west Wales playing a key role. Minister Shanks told delegates: 'I'm pleased to announce that an industry-led Marine Energy Task Force is being assembled to consider marine energy deployment throughout the UK. Its key outcome will be the delivery of a strategic roadmap, including recommendations for removing barriers, along with estimates of the investment required to deliver the UK's marine energy potential.' The task force will be facilitated by the Marine Energy Council, with findings expected to inform future government policy. The move is seen as a strategic effort to accelerate clean energy development and promote regional growth in coastal communities. Wales has already attracted £292 million in marine energy investment and created 429 full-time jobs in the sector. With the Celtic Sea leasing process (Round 5) now in its final stages, up to 4.5 GW of floating offshore wind capacity could be developed, unlocking a potential £1.4 billion boost to the UK economy and creating more than 5,000 jobs. Welsh ports including Milford Haven, Swansea and Port Talbot were singled out by the minister as key delivery partners for future projects. Tidal stream energy was described as a continued priority, with more than 130 MW of capacity expected to be in place by 2029, supported by recent success in Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds. Wave energy technologies are also receiving continued R&D backing, with commercial viability seen as achievable in the near future. Jay Sheppard, Project Manager at Marine Energy Wales, said: 'The formation of the Marine Energy Task Force marks a critical step in turning ambition into action. For too long, the potential of our marine resources has been acknowledged but underutilised. Pembrokeshire, with its natural assets and committed stakeholders, is well-placed to lead the way in unlocking the benefits of marine energy for communities and the wider economy.' The announcement follows renewed commitments from both the Welsh Government and UK Government to deepen cooperation on clean energy. Marine Energy Wales says it will continue working closely with local partners in Pembrokeshire and beyond to ensure that the region benefits from the opportunities created. The Herald understands that the initiative represents a clear signal of support for floating wind and tidal stream technologies, which have both seen growing investment and interest along the west Wales coast.
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.
07-05-2025
- Business
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.'
