UK-based civil engineering firm Jones Bros has officially handed over the completed substation for the Morlais tidal energy project, boasting a capacity of up to 240 MW on the Welsh island of Anglesey. The announcement of the successful handover was made last week.
The substation, strategically located near Holyhead, was built at a total cost of GBP 24 million (USD 30.3m/EUR 28m). This milestone signifies the timely and on-budget completion of the initial phase of the Morlais project, according to a statement from Menter Mon Morlais Ltd, the site owner.
Gareth Roberts, Operations Manager at Menter Mon Morlais, expressed enthusiasm about progressing to the next phase of the project. Roberts highlighted the upcoming engagement with tidal stream technology developers, aiming to commence the generation of low carbon electricity from the sea by 2026.
The Morlais project, spearheaded by not-for-profit social enterprise Menter Mon, secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh government. It also enjoys support from key stakeholders, including the Isle of Anglesey County Council, The Nuclear Restoration Service, and the North Wales Growth Deal.
The completion of the substation is a crucial step forward for the Morlais tidal energy initiative, contributing to the broader objective of harnessing sustainable energy sources in the region.
