Tidal energy players Sabella and Nova Innovation have secured a 12MW berth off the coast of north Wales, at one of the world’s largest tidal energy sites.
Morlais is the first project win for Sabella and Nova after they announced in June 2021 that they will be working together on tidal energy site development.
Each company will develop 6MW in the 12MW berth, located off Holy Island, Anglesey, which covers an area of 650 sq m.
Sabella and Nova Innovation have already started surveys at Morlais and they are looking to install their first turbines in 2023/24.
Both tidal turbines from Sabella and Nova sit on the seabed and are completely submerged, with no visual impact on the landscape. The technologies produce clean, predictable energy and work in harmony with nature as marine life can freely move around them.
Sabella chief executive Fanch Le Bris said: “Sabella is enthusiastic about this significant achievement, supporting the Welsh Government in its energy transition journey.
“The Morlais project illustrates the strong commitment from Nova and Sabella teams to build capacity for tidal energy across France and the UK and deliver high-impact projects.”
Nova CEO Simon Forrest added: “Nova is delighted to be expanding in Wales and the Morlais win is testament to the hard work of our team in Wales over the years.
The Morlais project provides a fantastic opportunity for Sabella and Nova to scale up and help drive Wales’s net zero targets.”
The Morlais tidal energy zone covers an area of 35 sq km in the sea.
Menter Môn is responsible for managing the site and awarding the berths.
The 240MW site was awarded consents for development from the Welsh Government in December 2021.
Natural Resources Wales has granted a marine licence that will allow tidal turbines to be installed.
Construction and operation of the project will take place in phases to allow for environmental monitoring of wildlife and habitat.
Karen Jones, a director at Morlais, said: “We are delighted to be working with Nova and Sabella and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with this partnership, which will no doubt bring both economic benefits to the local area, as well as playing an important role as we all strive to reduce carbon and reach net-zero targets.”