Cheshire-based
Hutchinson Engineering has been awarded a fabrication project from
Inyanga Marine Energy Group, which is headquartered in Falmouth, for a 20MW HydroWing tidal energy array which is set to be deployed at Morlais off Anglesey in Wales, one of the largest consented tidal energy projects in Europe.
The contract covers the fabrication of the foundation frame and the rear nacelle, including welding, painting and coating to a specification capable of withstanding the harshest underwater environments. The foundation frame will weigh 120 tons, with an energy yield of 1.2MW from a single unit — the nacelle is 19m high.
Made of structural steel, the prototype foundation frame will have a lifespan of 25 years and will be manufactured with sustainability in mind, which includes decommissioning at the end of its lifespan. It will be part constructed at Hutchinson Engineering’s factory in Widnes and final assembly will take place quayside in Wales before deployment in the first quarter of 2026.
Inyanga Marine Energy Group CEO Richard Parkinson said: “Hutchinson Engineering has 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.”
Positive impactSteve Adams, Hutchinson Engineering’s managing director, said: “We 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.”
Andy Billcliff,
Menter Mon Morlais CEO, added: “The 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.”
Earlier this month, the Welsh government announced a £2 million equity investment in Inyanga Marine Energy Group. This was part of a wider funding round by the tidal energy pioneer, which is also progressing projects in France, Southeast Asia and Canada.