Wales Powers Ahead: Major Fabrication Contract Awarded for Groundbreaking Tidal Energy Project

The latest development in the Morlais project sees a major fabrication contract secured by a UK-based engineering specialist. This contract covers the construction of critical infrastructure, including turbine support structures and subsea components, which will soon be installed off the west coast of Anglesey.

The Morlais tidal energy scheme is designed to harness the fast-flowing currents of the Irish Sea, generating renewable electricity for tens of thousands of homes. With a planned installed capacity exceeding 240MW, Morlais is not only Wales’ largest tidal energy project to date, but also among the largest in Europe.

Key Players and Project Scope

The client behind Morlais is Menter Môn, a Welsh social enterprise with a strong track record of driving community-centred economic development. Menter Môn has worked closely with the Welsh Government, the European Regional Development Fund, and other stakeholders to bring Morlais from concept to reality.

The newly awarded fabrication contract will be executed by UK-based engineering and manufacturing firm Williams Shipping, who bring significant experience in marine infrastructure. They will be tasked with constructing the foundations, mounting frames, and underwater connectors that form the backbone of the tidal array.

Supporting Williams Shipping, several local sub-contractors from North Wales have been enlisted to provide steelwork, welding, and site logistics, ensuring that economic benefits are kept within the region as much as possible.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Morlais project is expected to deliver significant benefits to the Welsh economy. Estimates suggest over 100 direct jobs will be created during the fabrication and installation phase, with further opportunities in maintenance, operations, and supply chain services for years to come.

Environmentally, the project is a beacon for the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Tidal energy is both predictable and sustainable, providing a steady flow of renewable power that complements more intermittent sources such as wind and solar. The Morlais array will generate enough electricity to power more than 180,000 homes and is forecast to cut carbon emissions by over 300,000 tonnes annually.

Morlais has also been designed with marine ecology in mind. Rigorous environmental assessments have led to a range of mitigation measures, from careful placement of turbines to monitoring systems that protect local wildlife and fisheries.

Innovation, Investment, and Local Growth

This contract award underscores the UK’s position as a global leader in marine renewables. It builds on decades of expertise in engineering and project management, as well as close partnerships between government, academia, and industry.

One noteworthy aspect of Morlais is its modular approach. The array will be installed in phases, allowing for new technologies and turbine designs to be integrated over time. This flexible model is expected to attract further investment to North Wales, potentially making Anglesey a hub for marine innovation and green jobs.

The Welsh Government has committed substantial funding to the scheme, and the UK government has included tidal stream power in its Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, giving projects like Morlais a viable route to market.

My Perspective

Having tracked renewable energy developments across the UK, it’s clear that projects like Morlais are not just about clean power—they’re about community, innovation, and resilience. Seeing North Wales become a centre for marine technology is inspiring, and the ripple effects in local employment, skills, and business opportunities are already being felt. As the world’s eyes turn to net-zero, Wales is quietly leading by example.

Stakeholders Involved

• Client: Menter Môn

• Main Contractor: Williams Shipping (fabrication and marine infrastructure)

• Sub-contractors: North Wales-based engineering and logistics firms (names pending public confirmation)

• Welsh Government

• European Regional Development Fund

• Local community stakeholders and environmental consultancies