Harnessing the Power of the Tides
This month, a groundbreaking project in Holyhead, Wales, is set to kick off, marking a pivotal moment in the development of the Menter Môn Morlais tidal energy scheme. The initiative, owned and operated by social enterprise Menter Môn, aims to generate a staggering 240 MW of clean, renewable energy from the relentless power of the tides off the coast of Anglesey.
The Cydnerth project, which focuses on reinforcing the power transmission network at Parc Cybi, is a critical step in ensuring the region can handle the future energy output from Morlais. By installing underground cables to connect the Morlais substation near South Stack to the national grid, the project is laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy revolution.
Jobs, Growth, and Green Energy
But this isn’t just about energy—it’s about people. The project is expected to create a wave of job opportunities and supply chain growth in North Wales. Local firm Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been tapped as the contractor, bringing with it a commitment to employing local workers and supporting apprenticeships.
John Idris Jones, Chair of Menter Môn Morlais, emphasized the project’s dual focus: “This work at Parc Cybi is not just about strengthening the grid—it’s about transforming Ynys Môn into a sustainable energy hub. It’s about creating opportunities for our community and ensuring we’re at the forefront of the clean energy transition.”
A Major Milestone for North Wales
The Morlais project has already secured significant backing, including an £8 million equity investment from the Welsh Government and support from the North Wales Growth Deal. Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council and Chair of the Economic Ambition Board, hailed the initiative as a game-changer: “This project will unlock economic opportunities, strengthen local supply chains, and position North Wales as a key player in the future of tidal energy.”
With its substation completed in 2023 and the first tidal energy devices set to hit the water by 2026, Morlais is on track to become Europe’s largest tidal energy scheme. It’s a bold vision for a cleaner, greener future—and North Wales is leading the charge.
