HydroWing has announced an increase in the planned generation capacity of its Morlais tidal energy project located in Anglesey, Wales. The project will deploy 18 HydroWing HW3 tidal energy devices along with a new in-stream mooring system. This commitment will increase clean, stable, and efficient power generation to the region. Each device has a rated capacity of 1.67 MW, so the total expected capacity will be 30.06 MW.
It took two years, until February 2026, before officials agreed to expand the facility’s capacity. This decision represents a really important step forward in the journey towards establishing commercial scale tidal energy on Anglesey. The initial HydroWing device is expected to deploy in 2027 as part of phase 1A. This project has goals of being in full operation by 2030. When fully finished, the HydroWing Morlais Project will make it the largest tidal energy development in the world.
Project Overview
This joint HydroWing Morlais Project between Inyanga Marine Energy Group and Menter Môn Morlais is an important part of that story. Now this partnership seeks to unlock the potential of tidal energy to deliver clean, renewable, and predictable power. Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group had strong words about the importance of this expansion.
“This latest award allows us to focus on economies of scale and drive momentum towards delivering clean and stable power to the grid in Anglesey at an industrial scale.” – Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group
The project intends to deploy 18 HydroWing HW3 devices. This step will make a major impact to increase energy generation and help the United States go green.
Timeline and Phases
The HydroWing Morlais Project has been structured into clearly defined “development phases”. Given this timeline, Phase 1A would begin with deployment of the first device in 2027. Once the project moves further along, it would go into phase three, with delivery scheduled for 2030. Over this period, the project will expand its work and build its capacity.
Andy Billcliff, chief executive of Menter Môn Morlais, said he too felt encouraged about the project’s future.
“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for our tidal stream project at Morlais, cementing our position at the global forefront of tidal stream technology.” – Andy Billcliff, chief executive of Menter Môn Morlais
The timeline exemplifies the dedication of both organizations. Through it all, they have remained committed to advancing tidal energy as a genuine, viable alternative to conventional power generation.
Future Implications
The Sonar HydroWing Morlais Project is designed to provide abundant, affordable, clean energy. It is equally important in supporting global development of commercial deployments of tidal energy technologies. Currently, the project adds to Anglesey’s positive news as a center for innovative energy solutions.
As we turn our focus toward renewable energy and increasing our efforts to lower carbon footprints, projects like HydroWing are important on every level. They are indicative of a bigger picture commitment to sustainable energy practices that address our present and future energy needs.