Cheshire-based Hutchinson Engineering has won a significant fabrication contract from Inyanga Marine Energy Group, a company headquartered in Falmouth. The contract is for a 20MW HydroWing tidal energy array that will be installed at Morlais, off the coast of Anglesey in Wales. This project is one of the largest approved tidal energy initiatives in Europe.
The deal involves fabricating the foundation frame and the rear nacelle. Hutchinson Engineering will carry out welding, painting, and coating to meet strict standards designed to endure the toughest underwater conditions. The foundation frame will weigh 120 tons and deliver an energy output of 1.2MW per unit. The nacelle will stand 19 meters tall.
Made from structural steel, the prototype foundation frame is designed to last 25 years. Sustainability is a key focus, including plans for safe decommissioning once its service life ends. Part of the frame will be built at Hutchinson Engineering’s factory in Widnes, with the final assembly happening at a quayside location in Wales. Deployment is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said, “Hutchinson Engineering has the expertise and creativity needed to bring our innovative tidal stream technology to life. The Morlais tidal energy scheme is the largest in the world of its kind. This is a rare chance to showcase the full potential of tidal energy and establish Wales as a leader in renewable energy.”
Steve Adams, managing director of Hutchinson Engineering, expressed enthusiasm about the contract. He said, “We are very proud to work on this pioneering project. All our fabrications aim to have a positive environmental impact, and this project will be a flagship for us. It’s a chance to build cutting-edge technology expected to lead the tidal energy industry worldwide.”
Andy Billcliff, CEO of Menter Mon Morlais, highlighted the project’s importance. He said, “Securing the first fabrication contract marks a key step in delivering tidal energy at Morlais. It will bring economic and sustainability benefits to Wales and the UK, while proving the commercial viability of tidal energy on a global scale.”
Earlier this month, the Welsh government announced a £2 million equity investment in Inyanga Marine Energy Group. This funding is part of a larger round supporting the company’s tidal energy projects, which are also advancing in France, Southeast Asia, and Canada.
