The Welsh Government Invests $9.9 Million in Morlais Tidal Energy Scheme
The Welsh Government has made a significant investment of $9.9 million in the Morlais tidal scheme, marking a pivotal moment in the development of what is poised to become the largest tidal energy project in Europe. This equity stake will ensure the progress of the project, which is owned and managed by Ynys Môn social enterprise Menter Môn.
The Morlais tidal scheme, located in Anglesey, is a groundbreaking initiative that is set to revolutionize the renewable energy landscape. Scheduled to be operational by 2026, the project has the capacity to generate enough energy to power up to 180,000 Welsh households. One of the key features of this scheme is its innovative ‘plug and play’ model, which offers a streamlined approach for developers of tidal energy devices, ultimately reducing costs as they scale up operations to produce clean electricity.
The Welsh Government’s investment will specifically support the Cydnerth phase of the project, which focuses on strengthening the grid connection at Parc Cybi in Holyhead. With the potential to generate up to 240MW of low carbon clean electricity, the Morlais tidal energy scheme represents a significant step towards achieving Wales’ renewable energy goals.
Rebecca Evans, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, expressed the government’s commitment to establishing Wales as a global hub for tidal energy technologies. She stated, “We want to make Wales a world centre for emerging tidal technologies and we’re off to a good start on several fronts. Our investment will support Menter Môn Morlais to scale up capacity, and develop an industrial cluster for tidal energy and innovation in north Wales, whilst delivering jobs and growth through its pioneering technology, keeping the value local.”
Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the project’s potential to drive clean energy production and create local employment opportunities. He remarked, “This funding supports our vision to position north Wales as a leader in tidal energy innovation, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration across the region.”
Overall, the Welsh Government’s investment in the Morlais tidal energy scheme signifies a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable energy future. By supporting innovative projects like Morlais, Wales is paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy sector that benefits both the environment and the local economy.