Inyanga Marine Energy Group has awarded a fabrication contract to Hutchinson Engineering for the construction of its HydroWing tidal energy device. The device is part of a 20MW tidal energy array set to be deployed at the Morlais site off the coast of Anglesey, Wales.
The contract includes the fabrication of the foundation frame and rear nacelle of the HydroWing. Tasks under the contract include welding, painting, and coating to meet specifications for underwater durability. The foundation frame, which weighs 120 tons and supports a single unit capable of generating 1.2MW, is made from structural steel and is designed to last 25 years. The nacelle stands 19m tall.
Construction will take place both at Hutchinson Engineering’s facility in Cheshire and at a quayside location in Wales. Deployment of the tidal energy prototype is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
“Hutchinson Engineering have all the engineering expertise and ingenuity required to turn our innovative tidal stream technology concept into reality,” said Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group. “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.”
Steve Adams, Managing Director of Hutchinson Engineering, 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, CEO of Menter Mon Morlais, 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 in May, the Welsh Government announced a £2 million equity investment in Inyanga Marine Energy Group. The investment is part of a broader funding round, which will also support the company’s projects in France, Southeast Asia, and Canada.
