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Thanks to a partnership between the Anglesey tidal energy scheme, Virgin Media O2, and the Welsh Government, South Stack in Anglesey has become one of the first places in the UK to benefit from new satellite technology. Previously, the lack of mobile and data connectivity in the area posed challenges for businesses and tourists alike. To address this issue and support the construction team working on Morlais, reliable mobile network connectivity was essential.

The introduction of Starlink satellite technology has revolutionized mobile connections in this part of Holy Island, providing reliable high-speed mobile connectivity. Gareth Roberts, operations lead at Morlais, expressed delight in being able to collaborate with Virgin Media O2 to improve local mobile connection. The technology not only supports monitoring of marine wildlife off the coast of Holy Island but also ensures reliable mobile service for workers at the substation construction site.

Furthermore, the availability of mobile data and services in the area benefits businesses and visitors. This technology plays a crucial role in enhancing safety, along with meeting the increasing reliance on data and mobile services. By utilizing Stralink low-earth orbit satellites, mobile network providers can bridge connectivity gaps in rural areas.

Vaughan Gething MS, Wales’s economy minister, commended Virgin Media O2 and Wavemobile for their investment in research and development in Wales. This investment supports the Morlais tidal energy project and addresses the historical challenge of mobile network “notspots.” The reliable 4G connectivity brought to the area through satellite technology improves mobile signal for the local community, businesses, and visitors while ensuring minimal impact on marine wildlife.

Work on the Morlais landfall substation near South Stack is nearing completion, and the cabling to the grid connection site at nearby Parc Cybi is already finished. The deployment of the first turbines in the sea is expected by 2026, generating clean low carbon electricity. The scalable generating capacity of up to 240MW allows for the gradual development of Morlais while continuously monitoring its impact on marine wildlife.

Morlais receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, and it is supported by the Isle of Anglesey County Council, North Wales Growth Deal, and The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

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