Government funding will help test improved renewable energy projects in real sea conditions at the Morlais tidal site off Ynys Mon in Anglesey
Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, has announced at the Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff that government equity investment of £2m has been completed with tidal energy firm Inyanga Marine Energy Group.
Inyanga Marine Energy Group’s patented HydroWing tidal array technology – image courtesy of Welsh government
The money will be used to help test improved tidal turbines at the Morlais tidal energy site off Ynys Mon. By testing the turbines in real sea conditions, the aim is to improve them so that they can produce up to 60% more energy. The turbines will then power the majority of further tidal energy projects planned at the site.
The 35 km2 site at Morlais boasts one of Europe’s largest consented tidal energy projects and is particularly suited to this kind of initiative as the region is well known for its strong tidal currents. The hope is that, once fully developed, the Morlais site will produce enough electricity to power more than 180,000 homes.
The new investment is part of the Welsh government’s wider commitments to building a stronger, greener economy, tackling the climate emergency and making Wales a world centre of emerging tidal technologies.
Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales, says: ‘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, adds: ‘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 £2m 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, says: ‘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.’
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