Morlais scheme highlights expansion at national conference

Ambition North Wales welcomed the recognition given to its Cydnerth project at the Marine Energy Wales conference.
The project is an investment in the Morlais tidal energy scheme, which is run by social enterprise Menter Môn.
It forms part of the North Wales Growth Deal and aims to support the expansion of Morlais, which is located off the northwest coast of Ynys Cybi (Holy Island), Anglesey.
(Image: Supplied) The project will deliver benefits such as driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and ensuring North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and the generation of clean electricity.
The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: "I'm pleased to announce that Ambition North Wales and Menter Môn Morlais have agreed funding terms in principle for the Cydnerth project.
"This £8.9 million investment through the North Wales Growth Deal, which is funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, will futureproof Morlais.
"The North Wales Growth Deal investment will now enable the scheme's 18 megawatts grid capacity to increase over time to 240 megawatts."
The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, also backed the project saying: "The UK Government is supportive of the Morlais project, which promises to harness tidal energy and generate high-quality jobs in our coastal communities.
"As part of our clean energy mission, we have increased the tidal stream ringfenced budget by 50 per cent which will maximise the opportunities for tidal energy in North Wales and drive economic growth."
(Image: Supplied) Councillor Mark Pritchard, chair of Ambition North Wales and leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "The significance of Cydnerth can't be understated.
"As the largest consented tidal scheme in Europe, the positive impact and benefits it will bring are substantial, and it will cement our region's place as a leader in tidal energy."
Councillor Gary Pritchard, lead member for Ambition North Wales' Low Carbon Energy Programme and leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council, said: "Cydnerth is very positive news for the marine energy sector in Wales and reinforces our region's commitment to a sustainable future – creating the right kind of jobs alongside environmental benefits."
Dafydd Gruffydd, managing director of Menter Môn, said: "We are grateful to Ambition North Wales for their investment and continued support through the Cydnerth project.
"Through this support from 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, local supply chain opportunities and contributing to the region's sustainable growth."

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