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 tons, with an energy yield of 1.2 MW from a single unit. The nacelle is 19 meters high. Made of structural steel, the foundation frame will have a lifespan of 25 years and 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 and final construction will take place quayside in Wales. The tidal energy prototype will deploy in the first quarter of 2026.
Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, 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.”
Steve Adams, MD 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.”
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 Inyanga Marine Energy Group, which is also progressing projects in France, Southeast Asia and Canada.
