Welsh-led project aims to revolutionise tidal Energy
Welsh-led project aims to revolutionise tidal Energy
A cutting-edge project supported by the Welsh Government is aiming to develop the next generation of tidal stream turbine blades, a breakthrough with the potential to significantly advance the tidal energy industry and reinforce Wales’ position as a leader in marine renewables.
The initiative brings together AMRC Cymru, based in Broughton, Menter Môn, and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Welsh team. Their goal is to enhance the efficiency, durability and overall performance of tidal turbine blades—key components in capturing and converting tidal stream energy into electricity.
The project is one of five selected for support through VInnovate, a £1 million programme funded by the Welsh Government and operated under the Vanguard Initiative. The initiative promotes collaborative industrial innovation across European regions, with a particular focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
International collaboration is a core part of the programme, and the project includes two partners from Galicia, Spain: Magallanes Renovables, a manufacturer of marine renewable energy infrastructure, and D3 Applied Technologies, a research organisation specialising in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.
“Wales is already recognised as a trailblazer in the establishment of tidal energy sites,” said Andy Silcox, Interim Chief Technology Officer at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
“This collaboration with Galicia creates a powerful strategic partnership, blending regional expertise to develop innovative new tidal turbine blade designs. It also lays the foundation for long-term collaboration and innovation across the marine renewables sector.”
The project highlights Wales’ growing influence in the clean energy space, and its ambition to be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution. More projects from Wales were selected in the 2024 VInnovate funding round than from any other participating region—a signal of the strength and momentum of Welsh-led innovation.
The Welsh Government is now inviting new applications from SMEs and organisations for VInnovate 2025, encouraging continued international collaboration and technological advancement.
“Wales’ research and development sector is internationally renowned, particularly in renewable energy,” said Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.
“Backed by our Wales Innovates strategy, we’re creating the conditions for a greener, more prosperous future—powered by collaborative innovation and technologies that can deliver real societal impact. I urge organisations to embrace these opportunities and help strengthen our innovation ecosystem and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
With sustainability and innovation at its core, the project represents a significant step forward for the tidal energy industry—and a major boost to Wales’ credentials in renewable energy on the global stage.
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