A major low carbon energy project included in the North Wales Growth Deal recently gained approval from the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and can now progress to the delivery stage.
The Cydnerth project will futureproof the Morlais tidal energy scheme run by social enterprise, Menter Môn. By investing in its infrastructure, the Growth Deal will enable the scheme’s 18MW grid capacity to increase over time to allow the full 240MW. The expansion will create up to 230 new jobs and supply chain opportunities, cementing the region’s position in the tidal energy sector. The £16m project is being supported by a loan of £8.87m from Ambition North Wales.
The project is one of seven within the Low Carbon Energy programme of the North Wales Growth Deal – a £1 billion investment in the region’s economy. Of this, £240 million is funded by the Welsh and UK Governments.
Cllr. Mark Pritchard, Leader, Wrexham County Borough Council and Chair, North Wales Economic Ambition Board, welcomed the decision:
"This is a major milestone for Morlais and North Wales. The project can now leverage Growth Deal funding to drive its expansion, unlocking economic opportunities, strengthing local supply chains and supporting local jobs. It will ensure North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and the generation of clean electricity.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:
“The approval of the Cydnerth project marks a significant step forward for North Wales as a leader in tidal energy and low-carbon innovation. This investment will push economic growth and create high-quality jobs, building on our £8m equity stake in the wider Morlais project and reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable future. With the invaluable support of the North Wales Growth Deal, we are ensuring that North Wales remains at the forefront of renewable energy, harnessing its natural resources for generations to come."
Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffiths said:
“I am delighted to see progress on this low carbon energy project as it moves a step closer to delivering new jobs and investment in the tidal energy sector in north Wales.
“The UK Government’s number one mission is to deliver economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.
“Projects like Cydnerth are key to ensuring the success of this mission, and that is why the UK Government’s investment in the North Wales Growth Deal is so important. Along with our partners we want create new jobs which will contribute to the prosperity of the local economy.”
Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn welcomed the decision:
"We are very grateful for the support of Ambition North Wales that has made this project possible. With the backing of the North Wales Growth Deal, we can now take the next step in expanding the Morlais tidal energy scheme, bringing benefits to our communities, creating local jobs, and contributing to the region's sustainable growth."
Morlais is located off the northwest coast of Ynys Cybi (Holy Island), Anglesey and will generate electricity using energy from some of the strongest tidal resources in the UK. It is the largest consented tidal scheme in Europe, which will see tidal energy developers deploy their devices in the sea from 2026 to generate clean low carbon power.