UK's Inyanga Marine Energy Group is set to deploy AI-driven wildlife detection solutions to its tidal stream energy project at Morlais in Wales.
Inyanga Marine Energy's tidal energy division, HydroWing, has signed a contract with Ecodetect to introduce AI-driven environmental monitoring solutions to the pioneering 30 MW tidal stream energy project that will be deployed at Morlais on Anglesey in North Wales, the largest consented tidal stream energy scheme in Europe.
The first HydroWing tidal energy device is set for deployment at Morlais in 2027. Once the project is completed in 2030, it will deploy 18 tidal energy devices, each generating 1.67 MW of electricity, making the project one of the largest tidal stream energy projects in the world.
According to Inyanga, Ecodetect’s AI processes the data as it is collected, automatically distinguishing marine wildlife, such as seals, dolphins, fish and diving seabirds, from seaweed, debris and algae. Its marine communications network then relays the results in real time, so operators can trigger instant environmental mitigation protocols. The same data builds the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance with UK, EU and international environmental standards.
Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: “Tidal energy projects operate in sensitive marine environments. Ecodetect’s AI-driven monitoring solutions will help us balance performance and environmental responsibility. By continuously detecting marine life interactions and assessing infrastructure activity, we will be able to minimise ecological risks while maximising energy efficiency.”