The gravity base structure foundation for Minesto’s first commercial-scale installation of Deep Green tidal energy technology has been delivered.
The structure was floated in the dry dock on the River Mersey on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, Swedish tidal energy developer Minesto informed.
The gravity base structure has been constructed at Birkenhead Docks in Liverpool by Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK.
Offshore installation of the 500kW device and the surrounding test setup infrastructure is expected to begin in April 2018, with system functionality and capacity tests to be conducted in the second quarter, according to Minesto.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Edlund, said the electricity generation from the plant is expected during the third quarter this year.
David Collier , Chief Operating Officer at Minesto, said: “Preparations for offshore testing are in the final stages and we are relishing the prospect of soon being operative in the tidal streams off Holy Island.”
Eryl Evans , Site Manager at Jones Bros, added: “We’ve been building balance of plant for other renewable energy projects such as wind farms for many years, but this involvement with a tidal scheme has been a first for Jones Bros. We have embraced the opportunity to be a part of what will be a significant maritime renewable energy project in North Wales.”
Deep Green tidal power plant will be installed in Holyhead Deep, off the coast of North West Wales.