A major step forward for the UK’s tidal energy sector has been announced as north Wales tidal project Morlais and The Crown Estate publish environmental survey data gathered off the coast of Ynys Môn (Anglesey).
The data, collected during the first phase of the Morlais-led Marine Characterisation Research Project (MCRP), will be hosted on the Marine Data Exchange (MDE). The MDE, launched by The Crown Estate in 2013, is a key resource for marine industry survey data and supports sustainable seabed development while protecting the marine environment.
MCRP compiles over 40 terabytes of data from multiple sources, making it publicly available to researchers, policymakers, and developers. The data includes information on bird and marine mammal monitoring, aiming to support wider collaboration and innovation in tidal energy.
Helen Roberts, MCRP project manager, described the initiative as a turning point for the industry. “This is a game-changer for tidal energy, and we are delighted to play such a key role. Access to well-organised data is essential for project developers and researchers. With the Marine Data Exchange, reliable data and information will be available which will increase understanding of marine environments and improve planning and development processes. Our hope is that this will help drive the sector’s growth while keeping sustainability at the forefront.”
Mike Dobson, New Energies Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate, highlighted the significance of the UK’s tidal energy potential. “The UK has significant tidal stream energy resources, and harnessing the predictable nature of the tides could help support our net zero targets. Collecting and publishing data is vital in increasing understanding of this nascent technology and any impact it has on the natural environment, not only for the future potential of Morlais but the sector more broadly.
“Data and evidence enable us to better understand how we can find the balance between marine renewable energy development and protecting and restoring our natural environment, so it’s fantastic to see so much now hosted on the MDE.”
Morlais and MCRP operate under Menter Môn, a social enterprise based on Anglesey. The protection of marine wildlife and habitats has been a priority in Morlais’ development, and data from MCRP plays a key role in ensuring tidal energy devices can be installed safely. The first Morlais tidal devices are expected to be deployed from 2026.
MCRP data will contribute to a case study in an upcoming report from The Crown Estate, reviewing current tidal stream marine monitoring data. The project is funded by The Crown Estate and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
