The 20 MW HydroWing tidal energy array will be deployed at Morlais off the island of Anglesey (Ynys M么n) in Wales, one of the largest consented tidal energy projects in Europe.聽
The contract with Hutchinson Engineering covers the fabrication of the foundation frame and the rear nacelle, including welding, painting and coating to a specification capable of withstanding the harsh underwater environment.聽 The foundation frame will weigh 120 tonnes, with an energy yield of 1.2 MW from a single unit. The nacelle is 19 metres high.
Made of structural steel, the foundation frame will have a design life of 25 years and will be manufactured with consideration of decommissioning at the end of its lifespan.聽
The foundation frame will be part-constructed at Hutchinson Engineering鈥檚 factory in Cheshire and final construction will take place quayside in Wales. The tidal energy prototype is scheduled to be deployed in the first quarter of 2026.
Richard Parkinson, chief executive of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: 鈥淗utchinson Engineering have all the engineering expertise and ingenuity required to turn our innovative tidal stream technology concept into reality. The tidal energy scheme at Morlais is the largest of its kind in the world and this is a once in a generation opportunity to prove the full potential of tidal energy, really putting Wales on the map as a global pioneer in renewable energy.鈥�
Hutchinson Engineering managing director Steve Adams said: 鈥淲e are extremely excited about winning the contract for this groundbreaking project. We pride ourselves on all our fabrications having a positive impact on the world and so this will be a flagship project for us. It is an opportunity to fabricate advanced technology that is expected to become a world leader in tidal energy.鈥�
Andy Billcliff, chief executive of developer Menter Mon Morlais, added: 鈥淭he award of the first fabrication contract is a significant milestone in our exciting journey to deliver tidal energy at Morlais, providing economic and sustainability benefits for Wales and the UK, as well as demonstrating the global commercial viability of tidal energy.鈥�
Earlier this month, the Welsh government announced a 拢2m equity investment in Inyanga Marine Energy Group as part of a wider funding round by Inyanga, which is also progressing projects in France, southeast Asia and Canada.
North Wales-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering secured the main contract to build onshore infrastructure, including landfall substation and cabling. 91黑料网 of this completed in December 2023.
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