The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has officially opened the substation linked to Morlais tidal energy on Anglesey this week.
As part of this week’s Ireland Wales Forum, the First Minister will host the Irish Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD (Deputy Prime Minister) and show the Morlais project as a key tidal stream development in Wales.
Morlais, off the west coast of Holy Island is the largest consented tidal energy scheme in the UK.
It is manged by Anglesey-based social enterprise, Menter Môn.
Drakeford said: “Morlais is a groundbreaking project and a key part of our transition to a low carbon economy.
“It is an example of the type of development that will help Wales reach our net zero targets and underlines the importance of investing in clean energy infrastructure for our future generations.”
Once operational the site has potential to generate up to 240MW of low carbon electricity.
Developers that have agreed connections at Morlais are Minesto, HydoWing Inyanga Marine Projects, Môr Energy QED Naval, Verdant Power and Magallanes Renovables.
Gerallt Llewelyn Jones, who is a director at Morlais, said: “This is a huge day for us.
“We have faced many challenges along the way, but thanks to the determination of the team and support from partners and funders we can now look forward to the next phase in the scheme’s development.
“As a Menter Môn project, Morlais is rooted in our local community and the broader economic landscape.
“From day one we’ve been committed to advancing a more sustainable and renewable energy future and today’s achievement reflects our team’s dedication.
“I’m excited to see our efforts come to fruition as we get closer to generating electricity off the coast of Anglesey.”
In line with the Menter Môn commitment to secure benefit to the north Wales economy, Ruthin-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering has been responsible for the construction of the substation officially opened by the First Minister.
Working with other local companies, Jones Bros also undertook the cabling work, connecting the scheme to the national grid.
The project is funded by the European Regional Development fund through the Welsh Government.
The Isle of Anglesey County Council, The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and North Wales Growth Deal have also supported the project.