Minesto’s tidal energy device set for trials off Anglesey

Marine energy developer Minesto has taken another step towards commercialisation of its Deep Green power-plant technology as it has secured a licence for a 0.5MW installation in the waters off North Wales.

Consenting authority Natural Resources Wales has approved a marine licence – required for all offshore construction work and deposits in UK waters – for the installation and operation of the power plant in Holyhead Deep off the coast of Anglesey. 

The device will demonstrate and prove the technology ahead of plans for installing a 10MW array at the site.

“It’s a great achievement by everyone involved in the application process, and yet another deliverable met as we move towards commercialisation of our Deep Green power plant,” said Minesto chief executive Martin Edlund.

The consented installation is planned for later this year and it will include a single Deep Green device, seabed foundation and a buoy moored at the surface.  

RenewableUK’s executive director Emma Pinchbeck told PE: “We know that there is a gold mine of renewable power lying below Welsh waters, and Minesto’s unique technology is making great strides in harnessing this powerful clean energy source."

Holyhead Deep matches all the site requirements by providing low-flow tidal velocities at a depth of 80-100m.

Eleanor Smart, senior permitting team leader for Natural Resources Wales, added: “We scrutinise applications such as this to make sure the licences we issue protect the environment and other activities in the marine environment.

“The information we have shows that this proposal does not pose an unacceptable threat to the environment.”

Minesto holds an agreement for lease from the Crown Estate for a 10MW installation (20 power plants). In February, the company submitted a scoping report to UK consenting authorities Marine Management Organisation and Natural Resources Wales, asking for their scoping opinion for development of an 80MW site which would include up to 160 devices installed in phases in Holyhead Deep.