£4.5m invested to help develop north Wales’ tidal energy sector

FUNDING of £4.5m to help boost the marine and tidal energy sector in north Wales has been confirmed by Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates.

The EU and Welsh Governmentbacked funding will support Mentor Môn’s £5.6m Morlais scheme to accelerate the development and commercialisation of multiple tidal stream technologies in the Morlais Demonstration Zone in Anglesey.

Mr Skates said: “The energy generated from wave and tidal flows can play a major role in delivering our ambitions for a Welsh low-carbon economy as well as creating sustainable jobs and growth.

“Wales’ coastline means we are wellpositioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the ‘blue economy’, which is why the Welsh Government is committed to supporting the creation of new tidal demonstration zones that will help industry develop and test new and innovative tidal and wave technologies for commercial success.

“We have already invested EU funds towards a feasibility study for a demonstration zone off the Pembrokeshire coast and I am pleased to announce £4.2m of EU funds and a further £300,000 from the Welsh Government to support preparatory and consent work on the Morlais demonstration zone in Anglesey.

“Once up and running, the fully consented area of seabed will be able to support at least 20MW of grid connection capacity, but with potential for 193.5MW, to enable developers to deploy and test multiple tidal energy technologies.”