Minesto is holding an unveiling ceremony for its first marine energy kite at utility scale in Holyhead today, August 30, after the company verified the functionality of the Deep Green technology at utility scale earlier this month with its DG500 device.
Minesto carried out initial commissioning sea trials of its Deep Green tidal device off the coast of Holyhead, North West Wales, to test and verify a range of functionalities such as the kite control system, launch and recovery systems, connections and communications in various sea states.
Now, Minesto is resuming with further testing before the second commissioning phase to verify the power take-off system and electricity generation.
Dr Martin Edlund , CEO of Minesto, said: “We are celebrating what Minesto have achieved in Anglesey over the last few years. The demonstration of our unique technology in the Holyhead Deep is a first-of-its-kind project that represents a substantial milestone for Minesto and the marine energy industry in Wales.”
The unveiling of the DG500 kite has gathered Minesto’s local suppliers and partners, representatives of the Welsh Government and Albert Owen, Member of Parliament for Anglesey.
Commenting on Minesto’s activities in Wales, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford said: “The unveiling today of Minesto UK’s EU funded Deep Green kite technology marks a significant milestone towards tidal energy generation. It is very good to see the progress of this unique project in Anglesey, an example of just how important EU funds are to growth and jobs in North Wales and to the development of Wales’ marine energy industry.”
With support from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh European Funding Office (€13m) and InnoEnergy (€4.5m), Minesto and the Deep Green technology is the EU’s largest investment in marine energy to date.