29-05-2025
- 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."
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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."
