Welsh Government invests £8m in major north Wales tidal energy project

A major tidal energy project off the coast of Anglesey is set to expand after the Welsh Government confirmed an £8 million investment to help scale up operations.

The funding will support the Morlais tidal scheme, which is owned and managed by Ynys Môn social enterprise Menter Môn.

The site, which will be operational from 2026, is the first of its kind in the world and has the potential to generate enough electricity to power up to 180,000 homes.

Welsh Government backing will contribute to the next phase of the project, known as Cydnerth, which includes strengthening the grid connection at Parc Cybi, Holyhead.

The scheme operates on a ‘plug and play’ model, allowing tidal energy developers to connect their devices, reducing costs as they scale up their operations.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said the investment would help position Wales as a leader in the sector.

“We want to make Wales a world centre for emerging tidal technologies and we’re off to a good start on several fronts.

“Our investment will support Menter Môn Morlais to scale up capacity, and develop an industrial cluster for tidal energy and innovation in north Wales, whilst delivering jobs and growth through its pioneering technology, keeping the value local.

“This will further benefit clean energy suppliers of all sizes and position Wales at the forefront of the energy transition.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, welcomed the funding, describing it as a boost for the local economy.

“We welcome the Minister’s announcement, which strengthens our ability to deliver clean energy and local jobs through the Morlais project. This funding supports our vision to position north Wales as a leader in tidal energy innovation, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration across the region.”

John Idris Jones, Chair of Menter Môn Morlais Limited, said the investment demonstrated the Welsh Government’s commitment to renewable energy.

“This funding demonstrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to renewable energy and the significant role tidal power can play in our energy future. By supporting projects like Morlais, we are not only unlocking the potential of our natural resources but also laying the foundation for a resilient, green economy in north Wales.”

With construction progressing, Morlais is expected to play a key role in Wales’s renewable energy future, contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets.