Italian cable manufacturing giant Prysmian has secured a contract to supply subsea export cables for the HydroWing tidal energy array off the coast of Anglesey, Wales. Led by UK-based Inyanga Marine Energy Group, the HydroWing project aims to deliver 20 megawatts of predictable ocean energy to the national grid by early 2026.
Unlike conventional offshore wind farms, HydroWing harnesses the power of ocean tides using underwater winged turbines installed on the seabed. These turbines pivot with the tide’s direction, generating electricity through the consistent and forecastable movement of water driven by lunar cycles.
Harnessing the Moon’s Pull for Predictable Power
“Tidal power works much like wind turbines, but instead of capturing moving air, it captures moving water,” Prysmian explained. “Because tides are driven by the moon’s gravitational pull, they are reliable and predictable, offering a unique advantage in the renewable energy mix.”
The Morlais tidal project is one of Europe’s largest tidal development zones. It has received £8 million (approximately USD 10 million) in funding from the Welsh government, with an additional £2 million specifically for Inyanga’s HydroWing deployment.
Engineering for Harsh Marine Environments
Under the contract, Prysmian will manufacture and deliver export cables capable of enduring harsh marine conditions while transmitting electricity from the seabed turbines to the shore-based grid connection point.
Massimiliano Tommasini, Vice President of Prysmian’s Submarine Specialties business unit, said:
“We are honoured to contribute to this project, which not only showcases cutting-edge marine engineering but also aligns perfectly with our firm commitment to enabling the energy transition.”
A Scalable Solution for Coastal Energy Security
The HydroWing project is designed to demonstrate tidal energy’s scalability as a stable, repeatable solution for coastal regions. With rising global demand for firm renewable generation capacity, tidal energy’s predictability offers a compelling complement to variable sources such as wind and solar.
Prysmian highlighted that the collaboration is part of its broader strategy to lead in clean energy technologies. The company continues to invest heavily in research, sustainable manufacturing, and circular economy practices. Its subsea cables increasingly incorporate recycled materials and are produced using low-impact processes – all contributing to Prysmian’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.
Turning Tides into Opportunity
As nations race to decarbonise power systems and ensure energy security, the ocean’s tides remain an underutilised force. Projects like HydroWing – combining engineering ingenuity with nature’s certainty – may finally turn this ancient rhythm into a reliable foundation for tomorrow’s grid.