‘Game-changing’ data from Wales to back UK’s tidal energy development

U.K. social enterprise Menter Môn’s Morlais tidal scheme is collaborating with The Crown Estate to provide access to environmental survey data for tidal energy development, collected off the coast of Ynys Môn, Anglesey, in Wales.

According to Menter Môn, the data, amassed during the initial phase of the Morlais-led Marine Characterisation Research Project (MCRP), is now accessible via the Marine Data Exchange (MDE). Established in 2013 by The Crown Estate, the MDE serves as a repository for marine industry survey data, facilitating sustainable seabed development while safeguarding the UK’s marine ecosystems.

Menter Môn said the MCRP data, which encompasses over 40 terabytes of information from various sources, is publicly available to researchers, policymakers, and developers. It aims to advance renewable and tidal energy initiatives. 

The datasets include extensive monitoring of bird and marine mammal populations. By centralizing this information on the MDE, the initiative seeks to foster collaboration and innovation within the sector, supporting both UK and global efforts toward sustainable marine energy development.

“This is a game-changer for tidal energy, and we are delighted to play such a key role. Access to well-organised data is essential for project developers and researchers,” said Helen Roberts, MCRP Project Manager.

“With the Marine Data Exchange, reliable data and information will be available which will increase understanding of marine environments and improve planning and development processes. Our hope is that this will help drive the sector’s growth while keeping sustainability at the forefront.”

Both the Morlais tidal energy project and MCRP operate under the energy portfolio of Menter Môn. From the project’s inception, the protection of marine wildlife and local habitats has been a priority, the company noted. The information gathered through MCRP is instrumental in ensuring the safe installation of tidal energy devices. With research ongoing, the first Morlais tidal devices are anticipated to be deployed in 2026.

“The UK has significant tidal stream energy resources and harnessing the predictable nature of the tides could help support our net zero targets. Collecting and publishing data is vital in increasing understanding of this nascent technology and any impact it has on the natural environment, not only for the future potential of Morlais but the sector more broadly,” added Mike Dobson, New Energies Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate. 

“Data and evidence enable us to better understand how we can find the balance between marine renewable energy development and protecting and restoring our natural environment, so it’s fantastic to see so much now hosted on the MDE.”

The MCRP data will also feature as a case study in an upcoming report by The Crown Estate, reviewing current tidal stream marine monitoring data. The Crown Estate and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority fund the MCRP.

In February 2024, the construction of the £24 million substation for the Morlais tidal stream energy project was completed, and the substation was delivered to site owner Menter Môn Morlais.

In July, the Great British Energy and the Crown Estate collaboration was welcomed by the Marine Energy Council (MEC). This partnership is set to support early site development, speed up marine energy deployment, and create a pipeline of projects for future renewable auctions.