A Canadian firm is the latest to come on board with Anglesey’s tidal energy project, as directors sign a brand-new agreement during the Egni 2019 marine energy conference at M-SParc in Gaerwen this week.

The deal comes following several visits by Nova Scotia based, Big Moon Power to North Wales and discussions with Morlais, the tidal energy demonstration zone off the west coast of Anglesey. Subject to receiving relevant consents the new agreement will enable Big Moon to deploy their tidal energy technology on a commercial scale at the site.

Morlais is run by social enterprise, Menter Môn and has the potential to become one of the largest tidal stream energy sites in the world. The first stage of the project, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, aims to secure consent for the development of the zone. The second stage will put the necessary infrastructure in place for various developers, such as Big Moon, to implement their devices at the site.

Welcoming Big Moon to Egni 2019, Gerallt Llewelyn Jones, Director with Morlais said:

“This is great news for us. It is an exciting time to be part of the marine energy sector and we’re really pleased that Big Moon has joined a growing list of developers who are keen to work with us. Securing maximum benefit for the community through the project is central to our aims at Morlais and Menter Môn – Big Moon shares this vision, making our partnership an excellent fit.”

Jamie MacNeil, Country Manager for Big Moon was a speaker at Egni 2019, on signing the new agreement he said:

“We are delighted to be working with Morlais on this ambitious project to help realise the tidal power opportunity that exists here off the coast of Anglesey. As a business we pride ourselves in our reputation for innovation, as we constantly look to develop our technology to generate electricity that is inexpensive, clean, safe and reliable. This agreement with Morlais lets us do just that.”

Big Moon Power was founded by former President and Executive Vice President, Xerox Services, Lynn Blodgett in 2015 – with the aim of harnessing tidal power and developing a new and sustainable business model for renewable energy.

Now chairman of Big Moon, on one of his visits to North Wales, Lynn said:

“There are many similarities between the community where we work in Nova Scotia and the community here on Anglesey – and making sure that they benefit from developments such as this is what drives us at Big Moon and Menter Môn. For this reason I firmly believe that this is the beginning of a successful partnership as we work to develop and promote the marine energy sector.”

The public will get an opportunity to view the latest plans for Morlais and meet the team at three public information days to be held this month at the Trearddur Bay Hotel, Ucheldre Arts Centre and Holyhead Town Hall. People are encouraged to attend so that they can have their say on the proposals and  learn more about the project. Event details will be available on Menter Mon’s Facebook page and local press.