Inyanga Marine Energy Group has awarded a fabrication contract to Hutchinson Engineering for components of its HydroWing tidal energy system, which will be deployed at the Morlais tidal energy site off the coast of Anglesey, Wales, the companies said on Monday.
The contract includes construction of the foundation frame and rear nacelle for the 20MW HydroWing array, part of what is being described as one of the largest tidal energy projects globally.
Hutchinson Engineering will fabricate the 120-tonne foundation frame using structural steel designed to withstand underwater conditions for up to 25 years. Work will begin at the company’s facility in Cheshire, with final assembly taking place at a Welsh port. Deployment of the 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, chief executive 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.”
The HydroWing system is expected to generate 1.2 megawatts of energy per unit. Sustainability considerations, including decommissioning at the end of its operational life, have been integrated into the design process, the company said.
Steve Adams, managing director of Hutchinson Engineering, described the project as a milestone for the firm. “We are extremely excited about winning the contract for this groundbreaking project. It is an opportunity to fabricate advanced technology that is expected to become a world leader in tidal energy,” he said.
The Morlais site is managed by Menter Môn, a Welsh social enterprise. Andy Billcliff, chief executive of Menter Môn Morlais, said the contract marks 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 committed £2 million in equity investment to Inyanga Marine Energy Group as part of a broader funding round. The company is also advancing tidal energy projects in France, Southeast Asia, and Canada.
