Wales Surge: How Tidal Energy Is Riding a New Wave of Investment

Wales Bets Big on Underwater Turbines

Inyanga Marine Energy Group just handed Hutchinson Engineering a high-stakes contract: fabricate a 20 MW HydroWing tidal energy array for the Morlais site in Wales. This isn’t just another renewable energy project—it’s one of Europe’s largest consented tidal schemes, signaling a turning point for an industry long overshadowed by wind and solar. The deal includes a 120-ton foundation frame and a 19-meter-high rear nacelle, both engineered to survive brutal underwater forces for 25 years. “This isn’t just about durability; it’s about proving tidal energy can compete,” says a Hutchinson spokesperson.

“The Morlais project isn’t just a technical feat—it’s a blueprint for global tidal energy dominance.” — Menter Mon Morlais

Each HydroWing unit generates 1.2 MW, with assembly split between Hutchinson’s Cheshire factory and a Welsh quayside. Deployment kicks off in Q1 2026, but the ripple effects are already felt. In May 2025, the Welsh Government injected £2 million into Inyanga, part of a broader funding push spanning France, Southeast Asia, and Canada. “Wales isn’t just participating in the renewable energy race—we’re aiming to lead it,” notes a government official. The Morlais project, touted as the world’s largest tidal energy scheme, could position Wales as the Saudi Arabia of underwater renewables.

From Niche to Mainstream

Hutchinson Engineering isn’t downplaying the stakes. The company highlights the project’s dual focus: sustainability and technological innovation. Tidal energy’s predictability—unlike intermittent wind or solar—makes it a grid operator’s dream. But cost and scalability have been hurdles. The HydroWing array, with its modular design and streamlined fabrication, could change that calculus. “This contract isn’t just about building hardware; it’s about building confidence in the sector,” says a Hutchinson engineer.

Menter Mon Morlais, the project’s backer, calls the deal a “triple win”—economic growth, sustainability gains, and commercial proof that tidal energy can attract serious investment. With Wales’ ambitious net-zero targets, the Morlais array could become a case study for coastal nations. The message is clear: tidal energy’s time may finally have come, and Wales intends to ride that wave first.