The Welsh government has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to renewable energy by investing £2 million in Inyanga Marine Energy Group, a key player in the development of tidal energy at the Morlais site off Ynys Mon (Anglesey). This investment, announced by First Minister Eluned Morgan at the Marine Energy Wales Conference, aims to enhance tidal turbine technology, potentially increasing energy output by up to 60%. The Morlais site, one of Europe's largest consented tidal energy projects, could power over 180,000 homes, marking a pivotal moment in Wales' clean energy future.

At the same conference, the Cydnerth project, part of the North Wales Growth Deal, was highlighted for its role in expanding the Morlais tidal energy scheme. With an £8.9 million investment from the Welsh and UK Governments, the project is set to increase the scheme's grid capacity from 18 megawatts to 240 megawatts over time. This expansion is expected to drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs in coastal communities, further establishing North Wales as a leader in tidal energy.

The collaboration between the Welsh government, Inyanga Marine Energy Group, and other stakeholders underscores the potential of tidal energy as a reliable and clean power source. The investment in Inyanga's HydroWing technology, which has secured contracts for difference in the UK government's allocation rounds, exemplifies the innovative approaches being explored to harness the full potential of ocean tides. These efforts are not only advancing marine energy technology but also contributing to the global transition away from fossil fuels.

The Morlais tidal energy project, with its 'plug and play' model, is pioneering a new approach to tidal energy generation. By providing the necessary infrastructure and renting berths to turbine development companies, Morlais is facilitating the testing and deployment of various electricity generation technologies. This model, combined with the Welsh government's investment in Inyanga and the broader support for the Cydnerth project, positions Wales at the forefront of the tidal energy sector, showcasing the region's commitment to sustainable development and innovation in renewable energy.

The United Kingdom is bracing for severe weather disruption as Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025/26 season, approaches with forecasts predicting damaging winds up to 95mph and heavy rainfall. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings across northern and western regions, with amber wind alerts indicating potential danger to life in Scotland's Grampian, Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and Strathclyde areas between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Wind gusts are expected to reach 60-70mph widely across northern Britain, potentially exceeding 95mph in exposed coastal and hilly areas, particularly in the northwest. The storm system is forecast to bring gale-force winds initially to western regions during Friday evening before moving northeast overnight into Saturday. Transport Scotland officials have warned of expected disruption to transportation networks in affected areas, with flying debris posing additional hazards during the peak wind periods.

Heavy rainfall accompanies the strong winds, with western Scotland facing the brunt of precipitation. Forecasters predict rainfall totals could exceed 30-50mm within six to nine hours, increasing risks of localized flooding. Yellow rain warnings remain in effect for Northern Ireland and western Scotland through Thursday evening, expanding to cover all of Scotland and much of northern England from Friday noon through midnight.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tom Crabtree emphasized that while uncertainty remains about the storm's exact track, the system will significantly impact northern and western regions. "Forecasts and warnings will be updated as the situation becomes more clear," Crabtree stated, urging residents to monitor local forecasts. Multiple yellow wind warnings will be in force across Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland from Friday afternoon through Saturday, affecting power supplies, transportation and outdoor activities.