£2 million for tidal power in Wales

At the Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff, the Welsh government announced a £2 million equity investment in tidal energy firm Inyanga Marine Energy Group, which will help test improved tidal turbines in real sea conditions at the Morlais tidal energy site off Ynts Mon (Anglesey).

Thanks to the investment, the turbines will be able to produce up to 60 per cent more energy thanks to funded improvements. The turbines will power most of the tidal energy projects planned for the Morlais site, an area known for its strong tidal currents.

Morlais, a 35 square kilometre area, has the potential to generate enough electricity to power over 180,000 homes once fully developed, making it one of Europe’s largest consented tidal energy projects.

This announcement aligns with the Welsh government’s commitment of building a stronger, greener economy and addressing 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.”