Edinburgh tidal energy pioneer Nova to help Wales meet net-zero targets

Edinburgh-based Nova Innovation and French peer Sabella have secured a berth at one of the world’s largest tidal energy sites, off the Welsh coast.

Morlais is the first project win for the two tidal energy companies after they announced in June that they would be working together on site development.

Each firm will develop six megawatts (MW) in the 12MW berth, off the Anglesey coast. A 12MW tidal turbine site could power up to 10,000 homes a year, Nova noted.

Both tidal turbines from the two firms sit on the seabed and are completely submerged, with no visual impact on the landscape.

Both tidal turbines from the two firms will sit on the seabed at the Anglesey project and are completely submerged, with no visual impact on the landscape.

Simon Forrest, chief executive of Nova Innovation, said: “Nova is delighted to be expanding in Wales and the Morlais win is testament to the hard work of our team in Wales over the years.

“The Morlais project provides a fantastic opportunity for Sabella and Nova to scale up and help drive Wales’s net zero targets.”

Fanch Le Bris, chief executive of Sabella, said: “Sabella is enthusiastic about this significant achievement, supporting the Welsh Government in its energy transition journey.

“The Morlais project illustrates the strong commitment from Nova and Sabella teams to build capacity for tidal energy across France and the UK and deliver high-impact projects.”

Julie James, climate change minister for the Welsh Government, added: “I welcome the news of Nova Innovation and Sabella’s plans for expansion through the Morlais project and that it will bring highly-skilled jobs to north Wales.

“There is an abundance of marine resources in Wales which we need to harness in a sustainable way if we are to move towards a low carbon economy.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription: www.scotsman.com/subscriptions