Tidal energy companies Sabella and Nova Innovation have taken a 12MW berth at Morlais, one of the world’s largest tidal energy sites off the coast of Holy Island, Anglesey in Wales. Each company will develop 6MW in the 12MW berth, which covers an area of 0.65km2. Both tidal turbines from Sabella and Nova sit on the seabed and are completely submerged. The companies have already started surveys at Morlais and they are looking to install their first turbines in 2023/24.
Nova Innovation, which designs, builds, installs and operates tidal energy turbines joined with Sabella, which designs and develops systems to supply electricity to coastal areas and produce green hydrogen from tidal energy, announced in June 2021 that they will be working together on tidal energy site development.
The Morlais tidal energy zone covers an area of 35km2 and 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.