“Through the project installation, commissioning and operation activities of our DG500 device, we are pleased to successfully have verified the control system of our technology at a utility scale, and to have achieved electricity generation for the first time with a commercial-scale unit. By doing this, we have completed the test program of our EU-funded project in Anglesey,” said Dr. Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.
The project comprises the construction, installation and demonstration of Minesto’s first utility-scale system of its subsea kite technology called Deep Green, in the Holyhead Deep 6km off the coast of North Wales. It is supported by €13 million ($14.8 million) of EU funds through the Welsh Government.
In spring 2018, Minesto installed and commissioned the DG500 site infrastructure; seabed foundation, tether, umbilical and a buoy containing a micro grid system. In the summer, the power plant itself was installed and commenced sea trials. The sea trials culminated in Minesto verifying the functionality of the Deep Green technology at a utility scale and successfully flying full subsea operational trajectories. In early October Minesto generated electricity for the first time with the DG500 device.
Minesto will resume offshore operations of its DG500 system in the second quarter of 2019.
“We intend to use the winter period to focus on maintenance and power plant upgrades,” said Edlund. “We are looking forward to further building on the considerable asset base we have created in North Wales by continued site development work, to realize the full potential of our Holyhead Deep site.”
