The Welsh Government Invests £8 Million in Morlais Tidal Energy Project

The Welsh Government has recently announced an investment of £8 million (approximately $9.9 million) as an equity stake in the Morlais tidal energy project, which is poised to become the largest tidal scheme in Europe. This funding is aimed at supporting the project’s expansion and strengthening grid connections.

Managed by Menter Môn, a social enterprise, the Morlais project is being developed off the coast of Anglesey, with operations scheduled to commence in 2026. Once fully operational, the project has the capacity to supply power to up to 180,000 households. It offers a unique “plug and play” model that is designed to reduce costs for tidal technology developers and expedite the deployment of commercial-scale tidal energy projects.

The latest investment will be utilized for the Cydnerth phase of the project, which includes enhancing the grid connection at Parc Cybi in Holyhead.

Government’s Commitment to Renewable Energy

Rebecca Evans, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, emphasized the Welsh Government’s vision to establish Wales as a global hub for emerging tidal technologies. She stated, “Our investment will support Menter Môn Morlais in scaling up its capacity and developing an industrial cluster for tidal energy and innovation in north Wales. This will not only create jobs and drive economic growth but also position Wales at the forefront of the energy transition.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, expressed his support for the government’s investment, highlighting its significance in advancing clean energy production and job creation in the region. He underscored the importance of establishing North Wales as a center for tidal energy innovation, fostering collaboration and regional growth.

John Idris Jones, Chair of Menter Môn Morlais, commended the government’s commitment to renewable energy and the pivotal role that tidal power can play in shaping Wales’s energy future. He emphasized that projects like Morlais are unlocking the potential of natural resources and laying the foundation for a resilient, green economy in north Wales.

Strategic Resource Areas for Tidal Stream Energy

In January, the Welsh government introduced its first Strategic Resource Areas (SRAs) for tidal stream energy as part of a broader marine planning initiative. This initiative aims to drive the sustainable development of marine energy while ensuring environmental protection.

Furthermore, Inyanga Marine Energy Group, based in the UK, unveiled the design of its 20 MW HydroWing tidal energy project in December. This project is set to be deployed at the Morlais tidal energy site in Wales, further cementing the region’s position as a key player in the tidal energy sector.