Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has secured a £10 million contract to support the Morlais tidal energy project in north Wales, the company said on Monday.
The Ruthin-based contractor will carry out cabling works at Parc Cybi in Holyhead, aimed at strengthening the grid connection for the tidal energy scheme. The contract was awarded by Menter Môn Morlais, which owns and manages the project.
Morlais is the largest consented tidal energy project in Europe and is expected to deliver up to 240 megawatts (MW) of capacity once fully operational. The latest construction phase, known as the Cydnerth Project, follows a £9 million funding allocation through the North Wales Growth Deal.
“This is great news for the local economy – and shows that Morlais is delivering on its promise to bring local benefits even before the first turbine is deployed at sea,” said Andy Billcliff, chief executive of Menter Môn Morlais.
He added: “Jones Bros are a respected business who share our values in terms of local employment and ensuring the region’s young people have the opportunity to work and develop new skills right here in north Wales.”
Jones Bros said it will involve the local supply chain and provide apprenticeship opportunities as part of the delivery.
“We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the next phase of such an innovative renewable scheme like Morlais,” said Eryl Roberts, contracts director at Jones Bros. “We will also provide opportunities to the local supply chain and apprentices, and we are excited to deliver this important scheme.”
The Morlais project forms part of broader efforts to develop marine energy capacity in the UK and contribute to regional economic development in Wales.
