North Wales tidal energy project to boost grid connection

Work is set to begin this month in Holyhead, Wales, to strengthen the grid connection for the Menter Môn Morlais tidal energy scheme, an important step in the project’s development.

Owned and operated by social enterprise Menter Môn, the Morlais project aims to generate up to 240 MW of tidal energy off the coast of Anglesey. 

The work on the Cydnerth project involves reinforcing the power transmission network at Parc Cybi to accommodate future energy output. According to Menter Môn, the initiative is expected to create jobs and supply chain opportunities in the region. 

Underground cables will be installed to transmit electricity from the Morlais substation near South Stack to the national grid as part of the work. Site preparations also include clearing trees, and once construction is complete, replanting and landscaping will be planned, the company noted.

“We welcome this step, which brings us closer to ensuring Ynys Môn can harness more from our natural tidal resources, transforming our area into a sustainable energy hub. The work at Parc Cybi to strengthen the grid connection is a vital part of this process,” said John Idris Jones, Chair of Menter Môn Morlais.

North Wales-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been appointed as the contractor. The Ruthin-headquartered company will employ local workers and support apprenticeships in the area.

“The involvement of Jones Bros means that the next phase for Morlais not only delivers vital infrastructure but also provides economic benefits to the local community through jobs and skills development. This has been an important driver for Morlais since the project inception,” Jones added.

The Morlais project is funded by the Welsh Government and the North Wales Growth Deal. The North Wales Economic Ambition Board, which is responsible for the Growth Deal, emphasized the project’s economic impact.

Just recently, the Welsh Government invested £8 million (around $9,9 million) as an equity stake in the Morlais tidal energy project to support its expansion and strengthen grid connections.

“This is a major milestone for Morlais and North Wales,” said Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council and Chair of the Economic Ambition Board.

“The project can now leverage Growth Deal funding to drive its expansion, unlocking economic opportunities, strengthening local supply chains and supporting local jobs. It will ensure North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and the generation of clean electricity.” 

Morlais is the largest consented tidal energy scheme in Europe, said Menter Môn. Its substation was completed in 2023, with the first tidal energy devices expected to be deployed at sea in 2026.