The news that a Spanish company has secured an agreement to generate power in one of Morlais’ Zones has been welcomed as a boost for Anglesey’s Energy Island programme.
The Morlais project has the potensial to create one of the biggest tidal energy sites in the world, with the ability to produce up to 240MW of electricity by placing a series of tidal turbines in the sea off the South Stack coast near Holyhead.
One of the Magallanes Renovables devices will be the first to be located in a Zone off the Anglesey coast, following the announcement last week that the company have secured a contract for difference from the UK Government.
Magallanes Renovables have now ensured a tariff for a period of 15 years which provides them, and the tidal energy sector, with a revenue assurance. It will create 5.62MW as part of the Morlais project with this power reaching the national grid in 2025.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Carwyn Jones, said, “This announcement is excellent news for Morlais and enables this project to move on to the next stage where a number of devices will start to be placed within the zones.”
“It is also a boost to the ambitions of the County Council and its partners in line with the Energy Island Programme. The praiseworthy work being done by the Morlais team is a key part of the Programme as we work to ensure our aim of seeing Anglesey at the forefront of research and the development of low carbon energy and ensuring economic benefits.”
“The Council is supportive of the Morlais project as it will create renewable energy and is now the first example of commercial use of tidal energy in Wales. The programme will also ensure socio-economic advantages by creating jobs, developing local skills, creating supply chain opporunities and re-investing profit in environmental and community projects through Menter Môn.”
Councillor Jones added, “The Morlais project is certainly an essential part of the Energy Island development portfolio and aligns with the Decarbonisation Strategy of Wales and the UK.”
The Morlais project is one of five projects within Ambition North Wales’ Low Carbon Energy programme, which aims to unlock economic benefits linked to the low carbon sector.
Ends 11 July 2022