Inyanga Marine Energy Group has chosen Hutchinson Engineering to build its HydroWing tidal energy device for a major project in Wales.
The 20MW HydroWing tidal energy array will be deployed at Morlais off Anglesey in Wales.
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.
The foundation frame will weigh 120 tonnes, with an energy yield of 1.2MW from a single unit. The nacelle is 19 metres high. Made of structural steel, the foundation frame will have a lifespan of 25 years.
It will be manufactured with full consideration of sustainability, including decommissioning at the end of its lifespan.
The foundation frame will be part-constructed at Hutchinson Engineering’s factory in Cheshire, with final construction taking place quayside in Wales. The tidal energy prototype will deploy in the first quarter of 2026.
Inyanga Marine Energy Group chief executive Richard Parkinson said: “Hutchinson 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.”
Hutchinson Engineering’s managing director Steve Adams 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.”
The Morlais site is managed by social enterprise Menter Môn.
Menter Môn Morlais chief executive Andy Billcliff said: “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 Group, which is also progressing projects in France, south-east Asia and Canada.
